Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

Red Sprites and Circular Elves Lightning over Italy

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for December 23, 2025 is “Red Sprites and Circular Elves Lightning over Italy,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Image Credit & Copyright: Valter Binotto). The original explanation runs about 145 words.

Trees on a hilltop are seen in a starry sky but with clouds on the far horizon. A strange red circular band of light is seen in the sky. Near this band's center, some bright jellyfish like structures are visible. Please see the explanation
Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: Valter Binotto Copyrighted Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“What’s happening in the sky? Lightning .”

— APOD editors, December 23, 2025

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
December 23, 2025
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: Valter Binotto
Copyright
Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 145 words

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Source

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.