These stunning photos show THE violet stream shooting out from the top of a cloud.
© Jeff MilesThese stunning photos show the violet stream shooting out from the top of a cloud.
A photographer couldn't believe his luck when he captured a rare celestial phenomenon creating a breathtaking vision against the night sky. Photographs taken in Australia depict the colourful violet stream shooting out against the deep blue of a night sky behind, while the raging storm lights up the clouds below.

The phenomenon, called ionospheric lightning, occurs at much higher altitudes than normal lightening or storm clouds. Photographer Jeff Miles captured the rare sight near the small town of Pilbara in Western Australia.

Upper atmospheric lightning, or ionospheric lightning, are terms used by experts to refer to a family of short-lived electrical-breakdown phenomena that occur above the altitudes of normal lightning and storm clouds.
© Jeff MilesUpper atmospheric lightning, or ionospheric lightning, are terms used by experts to refer to a family of short-lived electrical-breakdown phenomena that occur above the altitudes of normal lightning and storm clouds.
He said: 'This was a mind blowing experience to see with my eyes, never mind research the photos to find out just how rare they are.

'Gigantic jets have only been captured on camera a handful of times and this night I was lucky enough to see six jets.'

Photographer Jeff Miles captured the rare sight near the small town of Pilbara in Western Australia
Photographer Jeff Miles captured the rare sight near the small town of Pilbara in Western Australia