The extraordinary one-of-a-kind sighting was captured by keen photographer Nolan Nitschke, 27, in Yosemite National Park in California. Nitschke knew a storm was approaching the area and that the incredible rocky peaks throughout the park act as lightning rods. After spending hours painstakingly trying for the perfect shot he finally hit the jackpot as the bright lightning crashed through the colourful rainbow lighting up the dark sky (Photo by Nolan Nitschke/Caters News).

1

Stunning lakeside sunset

2

This is the spectacular moment the photographer struck gold – by capturing a bolt of lightning cracking through a rainbow in a freak weather display.

3

Of the epic landscape, the California-based photographer said: “It was an incredible moment and I’m just glad I decided that day to pick up my camera and give it a go because I don’t know if I will ever get the chance again”

4

A stunning rainbow in Yosemite.

5

With its granite cliffs, domes, and spires, Yosemite is famous for becoming lightning rods during storms.

6

The photographer spent hours painstakingly trying for the perfect shot of the lightning bolt through the rainbow.

7

This wide shot of the rocky surroundings of the national park show the magnitude of the mountain peaks.

8

Sunset on North Dome, Yosemite National Park.