The Northern Lights put on a pretty magnificent display last night.
As we drove home from our family Valentine’s date, we were mesmerized by the green lights moving in bands across the sky.
The Animator said it looked like light shining over the top of the hill, and indeed that’s exactly what it looks like in the photo. But that line below the green light isn’t a hill — it’s high in the sky.
At one point, a round orange light moved from one end of the green band to the other — for all the world like a giant flashlight outlining the contours of the nonexistent hill. We stood outside making those “Ooo! Aaaah!” noises one makes at a great fireworks show.
This was the best photo I got — and it didn’t come close to the magic and majesty of the lights in person. My little digital camera couldn’t get anything but a vague green glow, and I had to go back inside for the DSLR Nikon to get this one. Now I need a shutter release cord, to avoid the camera shake streak of porch lights in the foreground.
But for the moment, this is close enough, and I have to say: I might not mind living in Canada if we’re treated to this kind of light show now and then!
February 16, 2012 at 6:43 am |
We had one brilliant display of the northern lights when we lived in Montana, and my family was just like yours, just watching and marveling. Film doesn’t capture it, even the magnificent photos. I’m trying to figure out how I can get my husband to see/experience them, without actually moving to the frozen tundra.
March 20, 2012 at 9:16 am |
Just stopping by to say I hope all is well with you and your family!