Well… after last night, I can’t help but write about Auroras again. I simply can’t get tired of them. If you haven’t yet read my first post about my experiences with Northern Lights, click here to see it.
On Wednesday I got the news that a Solar Storm Watch would be in effect on Thursday, starting at approximately 1800h MDT. As I do, I immediately checked the sky/cloud forecast to see if I should get my hopes up or not. Despite the presence of the moon in the sky (at about 25%), it quickly became clear to me that the conditions were very favorable and that I would go hunting for aurora once more.
Yesterday night, Diego (from Diego Lapetina Photography), Janu, and I went out to check some locations I had scouted previously. They were not very far from Edmonton, and very worthwhile. As recommended in various photography websites around the internet (see these pages here and here), scouting during the day is VERY important and will help LOTS when you are looking for a great place to photograph the night sky.
The first spot we stopped was an old barn on the banks of Highway 16 (Yellowhead Trail). I had seen this barn by the road since when I played paintball nearby, some 5 years ago. I have always wanted to photograph it. It seemed like the perfect element to anchor a picture of the Northern Lights. When we arrived there, we spent about 20 or 30 minutes just playing with the cameras, walking around the place… because the show hadn’t started yet.
However, after exercising a little patience and experimenting with camera settings, without warning or ceremony, boom: the show was on and we were ready to record it! It is indeed a surreal experience, being able to live in Canada and witness this natural wonder. Even after a decade here I can’t get over how magical and beautiful the Auroras can be.
Northern Lights seen on Yellowhead Highway, just west of Edmonton.
After some time being mesmerized by the display and taking a few more pictures, we decided to move on to try and find another spot. We drove another 10Km or so, and found this beautiful church at the perfect location (no trees, facing south), with the Aurora dancing right beside it. We had to stop. As if wanting to pose for us, the lights got stronger as we pulled over, illuminating the skies right beside the church. The Red Bull was working and I was super pumped, neither cold nor sleepy, despite the near-freezing temperatures and the 01:00 blinking on my wrist.
I think this picture of the church came out very nice, and to be honest, it was the reason I wrote this post after all: I wanted to share with you a little bit of this magical event.
Northern Lights seen on Yellowhead Highway, just west of Edmonton.
I hope to see you around soon!
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