4 A.M. The moon won’t rise till 6:01 and the first pre-dawn glimmer won’t appear till 5:47. And yet, above the faint orange streaks of Canada light pollution, the horizon glows. I guess it’s nightglow (or airglow), an atmospheric phenomenon. The physics of it escape me, but I love its bright mystery.
I saw it at midnight, hoped it was Northern Lights, and set up my camera to take a shot through the window. Took a couple test shots. Nah.
When I saw it again at 4:00, I took more pictures. 30 seconds, F2.8, ISO 1250. I had to jury-rig a shroud for the camera, because the window reflects all the little electronic power lights scattered throughout our great room.
I like these little interludes with nature on a dark night. But then… back to bed.
