“2024 Weather Photographer of the Year Honored for Unique Capture of Red Sprites”
**Captivating Nature: Honors for the 2024 Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year**
Nature, in its myriad forms, can evoke a mix of awe and fear, a duality vividly illustrated by the victors of the 2024 Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year competition, hosted by the Royal Meteorological Society. Among the myriad inspiring submissions, one standout image took center stage: a rare glimpse of red sprites, photographed by **Wang Xin** amid a thunderstorm in Shanghai, China. Chosen from a shortlist of 25 extraordinary photos, this ethereal phenomenon epitomized the marvel and intricacy of atmospheric wonders.
### **Wang Xin’s Remarkable Capture of Red Sprites: A Meteorological Wonder**
Wang Xin, an aspiring photographer from China, made his way to the Chongming District of Shanghai as thunderstorms raged nearby. After hours of perseverance and experimentation, Xin succeeded in capturing the elusive “sprites”—a moment so fleeting that it often goes unnoticed. These enchanting red electrical discharges, generated by high-altitude lightning in the mesosphere (approximately 80 kilometers above Earth’s surface), typically last only a few milliseconds. Xin employed a four-second exposure to reveal these luminous bursts of energy, showcasing a phenomenon rarely depicted in such clarity. The striking red hue results from nitrogen atoms being energized by the lightning, creating a breathtaking union of science and creativity.
The judges were significantly impressed by the patience and skill necessary for such a capture, especially considering how rarely sprites manifest—occurring in just 1 out of every 200 lightning strikes. Xin’s photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the many mysteries of the natural world that remain, even in our technologically advanced age.
### **Additional Remarkable Awardees: Insights into Extreme Weather and Climate Change**
Though Wang Xin secured the top honor, numerous other photographers showcased the effects of weather phenomena in diverse and impactful manners, reflecting the urgent concern of climate change.
#### **Climate Award Recipient: Gerson Turelly (Brazil) – “Rowing Through the Flood”**
In a poignant capture that garnered both the **Climate Award** and **Public Favorite** recognition, Brazilian photographer Gerson Turelly portrayed a young man navigating floodwaters in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The heart-wrenching scene, stemming from catastrophic floods in the spring of 2024, underscored the escalating interplay between severe weather and climate change. A ten-day onslaught of heavy rains, intensified by climate change and El Niño, resulted in the deluge. This image exemplifies human tenacity and the susceptibility of urban locales to increasingly frequent extreme weather events. The composition, coupled with the humanitarian action of assisting those trapped, resonated on both an artistic and social level, acting as a global call to action for climate change awareness.
#### **Smartphone Category Champion: Nur Syaireen Natasya Binti Azaharin (Malaysia) – “Volcanoes”**
The **Smartphone Weather Photographer of the Year Award** was awarded to Nur Syaireen Natasya Binti Azaharin, who captured a calming yet vibrant photograph of smoking volcanoes in East Java. Using only her Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, she documented the silhouettes of Mount Semeru and Mount Bromo in the early morning glow, complete with a pyrocumulus cloud hovering above. The striking juxtaposition of nature’s might and serenity earned her the accolade, proving that award-winning photography need not rely solely on professional equipment.
#### **Youth Weather Photographer: Angelina Widmann (Austria) – “Rain Aria”**
The **Young Weather Photographer of the Year Award** was awarded to Angelina Widmann, an imaginative youth who captured a dramatic image during an outdoor performance of *Madame Butterfly* in Bregenz, Austria. The unexpected downpour during the opera infused the event with an added sense of drama while simultaneously illustrating the rising prevalence of intense rainfall, a consequence of climate change. Widmann’s quick exposure crystallized individual droplets midair, merging artistic expression with environmental narratives.
### **Climate Issues Through a Lens: A Wider Message**
Beyond individual accolades, this year’s competition conveyed a more comprehensive message: the visible and pressing repercussions of climate change. **Professor Liz Bentley**, chief executive of the **Royal Meteorological Society**, highlighted the theme of interconnectivity, noting how weather occurrences in various regions are now impacting the global ecosystem:
> “From African dust affecting Athens to heightened instances of intense rainfall and flooding, we are reminded that climate change is altering weather patterns worldwide. This competition serves as a visual reminder of the urgency to mitigate future temperature increases.”
Other entries that captivated judges and audiences alike carried messages of equal significance. The **Saharan Dust Outbreak Over Athens**, captured in April 2023, unveiled the interconnectedness of our changing climate.