Astronomy Picture of the Day -- Aurora Over Greenland

NASA ^ | August 23, 2011 | (see photo credit)

[SunkenCiv]

Explanation: This aurora arched from horizon to horizon. During the current Shelios expedition to observe and learn about the northern lights, the sky last weekend did not disappoint. After sunset and some careful photographic planning, the above image was taken from the expedition's Qaleraliq campsite in southern Greenland. Visible straight through the center of the aurora, found with a careful eye, is the Big Dipper and the surrounding constellation of the Big Bear (Ursa Major). The brightest orb on the far right is the Moon, while Jupiter can be seen even further to the right. The Shelios expedition is scheduled to last until the end of August and include live broadcasts of ongoing auroras.

[SunkenCiv]

[Credit & Copyright: Juan Carlos Casado (TWAN)]

[SunkenCiv]

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[left that other site]

That one is amazing!

[RoadTest]

Is that the “Midnight Sun” to the right?

[Conan the Librarian]

The Moon.

If it were the Sun, you couldn’t see the Aurora.

The Sun is just that bright!

[bigheadfred]

After sunset and some careful photographic planning, the above image was taken

But then again, I don't believe everything I read.

[DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis]

So pretty! *saves pic*

[ThomasMore]

WOW!

[TheOldLady]

You were pining for some sky shots after all the asteroid photos. Somebody at NASA must like you as much as I do.

[SatinDoll]

That is such a cool photo!

[bigheadfred]

The gallery link. Nice. If you haven’t been there yet.

http://www.twanight.org/newTWAN/galleries_page.asp