Aurora Borealis

 We departed Mackinac Island, headed for Sous Ste. Marie. At 2AM, we got the call from the Captain that an unusually nice display of northern lights was visible on the starboard side of the ship. Since our room was on the starboard side, it was easy for me to roll out of bed, grab my camera, and head out. I was not disappointed.

Judging from the time of day and the direction of the northern lights, I believe we were on or near Munuscong Lake, Michigan at the time, circled on the map. The night sky was crystal clear without clouds. In addition to perfect weather conditions, solar conditions were excellent as well. I had a good camera and the right lens. I was missing a tripod and terra firma. Fortunately, the water was calm.

The lights we see at night are caused by events on the surface of the sun. Solar storms are colossal events the emit huge clouds of electrically charged particles which can travel millions of miles. The particles that happen to collide with planet earth are deflected toward the north and south poles by earth's magnetic field. These high energy charged particles transfer their energy to atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere, causing them to glow. Getting out of the weeds, here are some of the pictures I took.