2015-03-24
Read MoreMilky Way and Aurora
Out on the Granite Tors trail near Fairbanks, Alaska
alaskaaurora borealisgranite torsmilky waynight skynorthern lights
Structure Forms
Suddenly some structure started forming in the otherwise diffuse band. These microstructures seemed to just sail by like waves (only not really rolling I guess) to off over the horizon. Then I turned around. Look at the next photo!
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Go vertical
Then northern sky just erupted behind those smaller structures in the band. This was the best early morning aurora I've ever seen!
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Stunning Electric Corona
Stunning Electric Corona
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Auroral Corona
Not a minute after that eruption on the horizon this auroral corona danced overhead and seemed to last for a really long time. Usually only appearing for a few seconds, I think I had about a minute of shooting this one. In the center you might be able to make out the big dipper, but the stars were pretty dim compared to the northern lights that night!
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Fills the Sky
Looking south from my campsite after the corona event.
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Aurora on the Tors Trail
Three days and two nights on the Granite Tors Trail. Near Fairbanks, Alaska.
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Still Going Strong
Ten minutes after the band exploded across the sky, the aurora was still going strong, especially in the northwest.
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Beginning to settle
Around 4 am the display started to settle a bit, becoming diffuse, and drifting back to the north.
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Birch Shadows
Nearing the river valley I descend through birch and aspen forests.
boreal forestchena river recreation areafairbanksgranite torshikingsnowspringtaigatrail
Birch and aspen forest
boreal forestchena river recreation areafairbanksgranite torshikingsnowspringtaigatrail
Beautiful Day for A Hike
It turned out to be a gorgeous spring day. By the time I reached the river valley I was in a t-shirt and the temps were in the low 40's. Perfect!
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Tracks at the Tors
Moose tracks meander through sparse spruce forest along the Granite Tors trail.
boreal forestchena river recreation areafairbanksgranite torshikingsnowspringtaigatrail