DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

While most are of the normal variety, the red and the STEVE, are not normal. The STEVE that we saw actually lasted for hours! It remained relatively motionless initially, wobbling a bit. As it was barely visible before sunset, I thought it a jet contrail. Then after dark you could see the green coloration. My wife got cold, went inside to warm up, and it decided to put on a show about the time the door closed behind her... One of the ladies from China caught about 10 seconds on her cell phone (which she posted on her web site). I was set up to take interval shots with my camera, starting at about 30 seconds, kept shortening the shutter, finally, even .5 second open shutter was too long for the fast moving display, 5 minutes tops! No times for adjustments! Wish I had our camcorder going for that one. But then you just never know what is going to happen, can't anticipate everything.

A RED aurora!

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A normal aurora, over/behind Coldfoot truck stop

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A normal aurora, over/behind Coldfoot truck stop

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A normal aurora, over/behind Coldfoot truck stop

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A STEVE aurora (STEVE is short for "Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement.")

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Other end of the STEVE aurora

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Part of the STEVE aurora

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The STEVE much later

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RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

Those are nicely done Doug.

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

Thanks! There are several web sites I used to help with my lack of knowledge, skill, and experience.

blacks2 Loc: SF. Bay area

Fantastic images Doug. You did an outstanding great job.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Really great shots. Great work.

RE Loc: California

Thanks for the write up with the photo's, seeing them in person is a life goal of mine! Your photo's make me want to get to them even more! :)

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

Wonderful captures, Doug!!! Tell me, what makes a STEVE aurora--its duration?

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Beautiful images, Doug. I love the "curtain" auroras. When I was there, I only got to see a "STEVE", but it was pretty cool.

asicit Loc: New Hampshire

you did great

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Wonderful set, Doug! Thanks for putting together a beautiful and informative series.

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

Glad you are enjoying seeing what you may have missed in Alaska. I thoroughly enjoy seeing yours, which are MUCH better photos than mine.

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

It was a great trip, even if a little cold. Hard to take a bad photo with most of those places! Thanks for the great comment!

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

Glad to help with the info. I know I wanted to know a lot more before I left. It really is easier than most would think to go in the winter. Just remember layers (arctic level under garments level 4, jeans, windbreaker outer pants, good heavy jacket with a hood, a very heavy coat with hood, and HOT HANDS/FEET warmer packets. And remember, rooms are LOTS cheaper in the winter!

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

No, not the duration. They appear to be more linear for what I saw and have read. Scientists are still studying them, what makes them 'tick'. STEVE, "Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement", the name hints at an abnormal emission from the sun. A Google of it has some interesting information available.

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

Thanks for the nice comment. I too, love the "curtains". We got to see them for 5 nights, 3 of which were quite active, dancing as it is called up there. They were very active for a much shorter period of time, 5 to maybe 15 minutes in duration. They ARE cool!