What a fantastic week it’s been for space enthusiasts! The skies have been putting on a breathtaking show, starting with the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Their vibrant, dancing colors lit up the horizon, captivating onlookers and stargazers alike. The auroras stretched across the night sky, reminding us of the beauty and mystery beyond our world.
This week’s Northern Lights may not have been as high of a CME as the ones we saw in May, but they were definitely brighter in color. At first, I was concerned because we had a very bright full moon. But I could tell in the horizon that there was a greenish glare. I grabbed my phone (I really do need to invest in a camera), and drove about two minutes outside of town, by the farmlands. While I could see them this bright with my naked eye, I adjusted the exposure in my iPhone. Interestingly, they were bright enough without exposure adjustment in the video’s cinematic mode. This allowed me to capture the vivid colors on my phone’s video camera, something I couldn’t do before. Watching the auroras dance across the sky is always an unforgettable experience—nature’s light show at its best!
As if that wasn't enough, yesterday brought another celestial treat: a partial lunar eclipse. And not just any partial lunar eclipse— it was also a full harvest moon. For those lucky enough to catch it, the moon appeared slightly shadowed, a subtle but awe-inspiring spectacle. I had the idea of trying to take a photo of the moon during the lunar eclipse by holding my phone up to my binoculars!
First, that was a true test of muscle failure, and it was challenging! It took me some time to find the right angle, and while it didn’t capture all the details and textures, I’m still amazed. The only way I managed to get this image was by taking a video, which is what you see here. Seeing it through the binoculars was incredible, and the view was breathtaking. Observing the moon’s shadowed surface so clearly made the experience unforgettable. Sometimes, DIY tricks really do pay off!
Screenshots of my camera roll. Plenty of video tests to be able to capture the glorious moon.
This week was a cosmic reminder of why we look up—to witness the wonders of the universe and feel the thrill of being part of something much larger than ourselves. For space geeks, it was a week to remember!
Joining Wordless Wednesday and other photo link-ups with these fantastic bloggers: Wednesday Around the World, Nature Notes, Pictorial Tuesday, Sky Watch Friday