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Friday, March 11, 2011

Fire in the Sky

This is where I was all night (Click on any of the pictures for larger images):

 

I’ll be running this first picture through the hi-res color laser printer.  Hell, I might have the local print shop turn it into a poster print.

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Both of these pictures were taken from the bluff above Palmer, Alaska. 25sec exposures, F5, 400ASA, and a 35mm focal length using a tripod mounted Nikon D5000 and a wireless remote.

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This shot was taken from 8-mile lot near the top of Hatchers Pass, about 45 minutes after the previous shots.  30sec exposures, F4.5, 35mm. The foreground was illuminated by the headlights of a passing car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the parking area near the summit of Hatchers Pass.

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And finally, brilliant green curtains over my shop:

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It’s now 1AM the next day. I’m cold and tired. Goodnight.

20 comments:

  1. Those are wonderful. I've never seen the aurora, though I grew up far enough north that it was possible during strong solar activity. Not a night owl, I guess, and the house had no windows facing the correct direction so I'd never notice.

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  2. Awesome pictures, great composition!

    Now to raise the ante; Can you do do a wood carving to compliment them?

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  3. The lights have been fantastic over here for the last few days, too. An amazing show.

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  4. I wondered if you were getting a good view, Megan.

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  5. I would love to see the Aurora Borealis before I die. On the "To Do" list.

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  6. We grew up near Buffalo, NY. Our dad would wake us up in the middle of the night, wrap us up in blankets, and carry us out into the yard any time there was anything worth noting up in the clear night sky.

    The Aurora Borealis was on the agenda many nights, occassionally in color, but mostly the shades of green seen here.

    Fabulous photos Jim!

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  7. That's beautiful, and one of my bucket list items. Since I won't be seeing a shuttle launch, maybe I ought to go see these.

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  8. In the U.P. we used to see some yellows, blues, reds and violets in addition to the greens. But these are pretty intense.

    The dog used to come out with us into the backyard and look thoughtfully up in the sky with us.

    Dr. Phil

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  10. Yeah. Those folks are some real prizes.

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  11. Those pictures are awesome, decided my previous comment didn't fit here.

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  12. Great shots Jim. Wish we could see them around my parts but too much cloud on the strongest nights....

    C'est la vie.

    RP

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  13. If you are trying to incite jealousy, you've succeeded admirably.

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  14. I like the photo with the headlights. Just 'cause it's cool.
    Dr. Phil, my only experience with the aurora was in the U.P. as well. They looked like translucent jade drapes moving in a breeze.

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  15. My ex boyfriend once allowed me to sleep through the Northern Lights. It was the only chance I've ever had of seeing them...I should have known then that it was over!

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  16. When I was in Scotland in 1987, there were no Merry Dancers to be seen. I have not been far enough north save once in Canada, and it didn't seem to be dancing time then, either.

    I understand that they are difficult to photograph (well), and I applaud the beauty you have shown us unfortunates who don't live close enough to a polar region.

    I stumbled across your blog, and in spite of too much too read on computer and not enough for my deadtrees, I may have to subscribe.

    Just wow. I must second timb111 and ask if you can turn that into an expression in wood. I am going to look at your wood-stream next.

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