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Paul M Smith Photography has captured a stunning image from the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. This shot features the rare and mesmerizing phenomenon known as Red Sprites. These awe-inspiring events are massive atmospheric breakdowns triggered by intense lightning strikes far below. As this occurs, gases high in the atmosphere are torn apart, releasing photons in a brief but spectacular electric field display. The intricate shapes they form, often resembling branches, remain one of nature’s great mysteries. The particular sprite captured here is referred to as a jellyfish sprite, named for its large, intricate structure that makes it truly the king of the night sky.
To capture this breathtaking event, the photographer sought out a compelling foreground to complement the distant storms that were intensifying, sparking the fierce burst of Red Sprites. The view down an Oklahoma dirt road provided the perfect lead-in to this celestial spectacle, with the distant wind farm adding an extra layer of depth to the scene.
This image is a carefully constructed stack, combining one sprite shot with twelve images of the brightest meteors captured during 45 minutes of shooting. It perfectly encapsulates the wonder of the Perseid meteor shower, with meteors cascading from the heavens like fiery jewels.
Paul M Smith Photography emphasizes the authenticity of the scenes captured. All images, including this one, are real moments in nature, typically taken in a single shot or, as in this case, a stack of 13. No skies are swapped, and no objects are moved around. Post-processing and denoise software are used only to develop the shots afterward, ensuring the natural beauty of the scene is preserved in its truest form. Real nature, rare nature – nothing more is needed.
