Fall colors and frosty meadow

 

The other night the temp got pretty cold, down to about 25 degrees. The next morning there was quite a bit of frost in some areas. This meadow with a thick layer of frost looked particularly beautiful with the fall colors in the foreground. 

Road to the Stars

 

I can't imagine ever getting tired of the stars. I am endlessly fascinated by them. Every time I look up at night I am reminded of how awesome the universe is. 

It's pretty easy to get caught up in the everyday grind that is "normal" life. I think we all need something that reminds us of what's really important. For me, that something is the night sky. When I'm gazing up at the stars, everything else just melts away. And I'm reminded that what really matters is this moment, right here and right now. You live where you are. 

Forest Details

 

A couple of interesting things we found yesterday morning while out wandering around in the woods.  Maple tree reflections and a beaver-chewed ash tree on a local lake. 

Aurora Surprise

 

A nice little showing of northern lights last night with some interesting colors. Windy and cold conditions, but beautiful as always!

September Star Trails

 

95 minute exposure of the northern night sky on September 6, 2022. 

Floating Feather

 

I saw this the last time I was out canoeing. Never saw the bird that dropped it, but was intrigued by this and several others that were drifting down the river. The abstract feel of it mesmerized me. 

September Sunrise over Lake Superior

 

It's been a while since I've gotten out early enough to photograph a sunrise.  I picked a good morning to go out because the sunrise on this day certainly didn't disappoint!  I was excited when I saw that I captured a gull flying through the frame after the sun had risen above the clouds. I need to get up early more often... Lake Superior sunrises are amazing. 

Wonders of the moonlit night sky

 

Here are a few scenes that were photographed this past week while doing some filming for a very special project that has been in the works for the past year or so. More to come soon!  For now, enjoy these views of the sunset, moonlight and stars from northern Minnesota. 

Kingfisher and rising moon

 

What a great day to get out in the canoe. Extremely comfortable air temp, calm winds and beautiful sights. Had the pleasure of watching a kingfisher hover numerous times overhead while he scanned the water for fish. Saw him dive a few times too.  Super cool. Beautiful views of the moon as I was coming back in to the landing. 

Aurora Encore

 

The northern lights made a brief appearance last night too.  These photos were taken on my mom and dad's property on the Lake Superior shoreline between 10 and 10:30 last night. By 11:00 the lights were pretty much done for the night. It was nice to get this brief but beautiful encore after the awesome geomagnetic storms the previous night!

Orion and the Aurora

 

September 4, 2022: Orion rises into the sky on the right while the Aurora Borealis dances in the sky on the left. 

Border Country Aurora

 

It's been a long time coming, but last night we finally got a northern lights display to rival those that we saw during the last solar maximum several years ago! I went out just before midnight and stayed out until about 3:00 AM and the lights were very active during that entire time. As usual, the activity ebbed and flowed which kept things interesting. Several times, just as the lights were slowing down and fading and I was thinking I had seen the night's best activity, they would once again flare up and provide another round of waving and dancing throughout the sky. They were still going strong when I headed in for the night. Unfortunately I do need a little sleep before going to work later in the morning... 

Front Yard Milky Way

 

Here's a shot of the Milky Way, taken from my front yard. I like the way the trees frame the galaxy here. This time of year the Milky Way is pretty much vertical in the sky, unlike in the spring where it is at a much lower angle which complements the horizon nicely. Always fun to witness and photograph, no matter the angle!  I will forever be fascinated by the stars...