August 10, 2002

As the Sun set on August 10, 2002, another auroral display could be seen. For the first hour or so, the display consisted of a greenish arc, about 20 degrees up from the northern horizon. At times, the arc appeared double, and several faint rays could be seen.

60 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

45 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

Also at times, the aurora would brighten a little. At these times, a faint red colouration would be visible above the arc.

30 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

90 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

After about an hour, the arc began to brighten considerably and widen. At this time, the green colour became very pronounced.

60 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

45 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

45 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

After remaining like this for several minutes, the display suddenly erupted. Numerous very bright rays appeared, the arc took on a curtained appearence, and a very strong red colouration appeared in the upper regions of the aurora.

45 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

30 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

20 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

20 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

20 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

45 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

20 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

30 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

20 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

45 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

45 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

This intense display lasted for nearly an hour before activity diminished somewhat. Then after about 30 minutes, the display intensified once more.

45 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.
The aurora shines brightly over the Goodsell Observatory. The large dome houses a 16" Brasheer refractor, while the smaller dome at the rear of the building, houses an 8" Clark refractor.

30 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

20 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

20 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

30 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.

15 seconds exposure, Fuji Superia 200 film.
50mm f/2 Nikkormat lens.