A strong magnetic storm on the sun combined with a subzero polar vortex sweeping through Michigan meant conditions were favorable for the Metro Detroit area to possibly view the Northern Lights! This is a rare occurrence that happens about every 12-15 years. I packed up my gear and braved -6° temps but Aurora Borealis never showed that night. I snapped a few pics before frostbite set in and I headed home. I always say that 90% of good photography is being in the right place at the right time with your batteries charged… this just wasn’t the right time.
photo taken Jan 9, 2014 at 1:02am, Kensington Metropark, Milford MI
EXIF: 16mm 13 seconds at ISO 1600, f/8.0 (with some flashlight painting on the tree branches)
Fantastic, Spike! I like the little bit of light painting. And strong work to sit still in the night and freezing cold, well done.
It’S ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!! Is that the sun or the moon?
Thanks Mike! I am only now starting to defrost.
Colleen, that’s a half moon… the starburst effect came from the long-exposure (13 seconds).
Beautiful photo. I love nature shots. This my first time viewing your photos. Don’t know what took me so long.