Pillars over peaks
Aurora "Chasing" in the rocky mountains is always a big adventure, driving around, trying to find clear skies with open views to the north, and trying to stay within cell service so that you can watch the atmospheric data predicting when a show is about to start. This night's show was one of the best, and certainly the longest aurora display I've been lucky enough to experience. The Data was showing strong aurora activity starting at noon, with the sun still high in a clear blue sky. I waited all afternoon, hoping the aurora data would stay high, and that no clouds would find their way into the bow valley. I started the chase after sunset, and could see the lights dancing from the highway, but I knew the best views would come the further I was from any light pollution. I tried several spots and eventually found this mountain vista down Hwy 40 in Kananaskis. I love the strong silhouetted skyline against the bright green of the aurora. Mountains on the left are balanced by a stand of evergreens on the right, and overhead pillars of light stretch up into a band of glowing purple. Taken as an 10 shot panorama.