Aurora, often referred to as polar lights or northern lights, is a natural light display in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions. The lights are caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The resulting spectacle is a breath-taking display of light that paints the sky with an array of colors.
Having never witnessed Aurora before, I was thrilled when the weather channel predicted its appearance. I quickly gathered my friends to find a dark, secluded spot where we could fully appreciate this celestial marvel.
- Latitude: According to the forecast, tonight's aurora will be visible north of 35 degrees.
- Light Pollution: We plan to view the aurora from either a mountain peak or the southern shore of a lake. Incidentally, we are always located at the southern shore of Lake Michigan.
- Weather: The forecast predicts sunny weather throughout the weekend, so we plan to find a cloudless location.
- Moon Phase: Today marks the start of the new moon phase, making moonlight scarcely visible.
Location
To observe the aurora, you need a location with minimal light pollution. The ideal spot should be so dark that you can barely see your own hand in front of you.
The nearest suitable viewing location we found near Chicago is a campground in Wisconsin, located close to Campbellsport.
Driving there from Evanston took us about 4 hours.
Pics
I used my 📷 Sony Alpha 6400 to capture the stunning aurora. Even during its most spectacular moments, the human eye can only perceive faint, subtle colors in the sky. To reveal the aurora's true beauty, I set the camera to a long exposure, which also allowed me to capture the stars behind the celestial display.
I would like to share three photographs, each with a unique characteristic. The first image captures the Aurora entwined around a tree, as if it’s distorted by gravitational effects. However, the extended exposure time caused the Earth's rotation to be noticeable, transforming the stars from distinct points into short, elongated lines.
The second photograph captures the campground situated near a vast lake. In the distance, a faint light glimmers softly. Using a long exposure technique, the light transforms into a warm, golden hue on the ground, while the Aurora arches across the sky in cold blue and green tones. These contrasting colors interact dramatically, creating the most compelling image I've ever captured.
Last picture, myself. I'm thrilled to see the Aurora, pointing excitedly at the spectacular display of lights in the sky.
