Aurora Borealis May 10 2024
Last night, something truly magical unfolded right from my backyard. As I gazed northward, the night sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of vibrant colors. Thanks to a series of potent solar storms, the Northern Lights were visible much farther south than usual, and I was lucky enough to capture this stunning phenomenon.
The colors were extraordinary. Swirls of green and purple danced across the starlit sky, a display supercharged by recent solar activity. This year, the sun is at a solar maximum, brimming with sunspots that lead to coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These CMEs have been hurling charged particles towards Earth, enhancing the auroras and making them visible across vast regions—including here in Ontario.
The NOAA had issued a G4 geomagnetic storm watch, indicating strong auroras driven by the second-strongest level of solar storm. Although these events can affect power grids and communication networks, last night’s event was purely a visual treat with no reported disruptions.
Witnessing this natural wonder was a reminder of the beauty and mystery of our cosmos. For those who missed it, keep your eyes on the sky; the current solar cycle promises more such displays.
Processed with Affinity Photo v2 and Topaz Photo AI.
Camera: Pentax K-3
Lens: Tamron SP 10-24mm f/3.5 DI II
10mm / ƒ/3.5 / 30s / ISO 400
Taken: May 10, 2024
112 notes
·
View notes
Trillium at Jessup's Falls Conservation Area
In the heart of Jessup's Falls Conservation Area, this remarkable display of nature's delicate balance unfolds each spring. Here, the forest floor becomes a canvas painted with the white petals of Trillium flowers. This serene tableau is a testament to the enduring beauty of our natural ecosystems, inviting us to pause and appreciate the quiet majesty of the unfolding spring.
I try to visit every year and I have to say that this year was the best just from the sheer number of flowers; it was Trilliums as far as the eyes can see.
I used a low and close-up perspective, to emphasize the flowers in the foreground, making them appear large and prominent. The angle also helped convey the density and expanse of the floral carpet behind the main subject. Shallow depth of field helped isolate the large flower in front.
Processed with Affinity Photo v2 and Topaz Photo AI.
Camera: Pentax K-3
Lens: Tamron SP 10-24mm f/3.5 DI II
10mm / ƒ/3.5 / 1/320s / ISO 400
Taken: May 12, 2024
62 notes
·
View notes