Charged particles flung from the sun and transported by solar winds find a preferential entry to the earth’s atmosphere at the poles where the magnetic field is weakest. Here they collide with gas molecules resulting in the swirling, pulsing patterns of light known as the Aurora borealis.  The yellow-green colour is a result of collisions with oxygen molecules 100 km above the the earth.

These images were taken between 10:00 pm and 11:30pm over two nights with cameras mounted on sturdy tripods, mirrors locked up and cable releases. Exposures were 15-20 seconds at f3.5 and f4.5. ISO’s ranged from 1600 to 2500. Lenses used were a 16-35mm (at 16mm) f2.8 and a 14mm f2.8. We had a waxing gibbous moon. After working from an open boat with the orcas, this felt like a walk in the park.