The existence of elusive electrical discharges in the upper atmosphere, known by intriguing names such as red sprites, blue jets, pixies, and ELVES, has been a subject of scientific debate and fascination for years.
Now, on September 16, 2026, Florian Riou, a photographer specializing in capturing these rare electrical discharges, photographed an enormous luminous phenomenon known as a red sprite in Balagne, above the village of Montemaggiore. Florian Riou’s website: www.florianriou.com
These red sprites, often imperceptible to the naked eye, appear briefly during particularly intense and prolonged thunderstorms. They occur in the mesosphere, at altitudes between 40 and 90 kilometers, and typically last only a few milliseconds.
Despite advances in scientific research, these extraordinary atmospheric events remain only partially understood, revealing a mysterious aspect of our planet’s atmosphere. Yet, in the past, sightings of such phenomena were rarely reported, if they were reported at all.
The same question arises when we look at auroras. Reports and images of these spectacular displays seem increasingly common, including sightings in regions where they were once considered highly unusual.
Could these observations be connected? Are we simply becoming better at detecting and documenting rare atmospheric events, or could something more significant be happening?
Could a larger disturbance be affecting Earth’s atmosphere as a whole, involving solar activity, electromagnetic conditions, and the planet’s own interconnected systems?
Below the video of the giant Red Sprite and another amazing video showcasing different types of electrical discharges captured around the world.
@BGatesIsaPyscho https://t.co/2unmIyf06Q
— yaya 305 (@yaya305__) October 14, 2026