Atmospheric phenomena observed across Europe

Recent atmospheric displays have been observed across Europe, including rare red sprites and aurora borealis.

In Corsica, France, photographer Florian Riou captured images of red sprites over the village of Montemaggiore. These rare electrical discharges occur in the high atmosphere, typically between 40 and 90 kilometers above intense storms. The red coloration results from the interaction of the discharge with atmospheric gases, specifically nitrogen. These transient luminous events are difficult to observe with the naked eye and last only fractions of a second.

Additionally, increased solar activity led to sightings of the aurora borealis across several European countries, including Germany, Switzerland, and Scotland. Smaller sightings of the phenomenon were also reported in Portugal, specifically in Ferreira do Zêzere and Caminha.