I Never Thought I'd Be Able to Photograph This
Photo by Mark Wieman
If you ever get the chance to see the aurora borealis, you should take it. I almost stayed in bed. But thanks to a late-night text from a friend, I got up. I woke up my wife, and we went to a nearby park. Thank goodness I brought my camera, because I captured perhaps the most mind-bending sight of my life.
Photo by Mark Wieman
I live in Seattle, WA. Although Seattle is farther north than most U.S. cities, we virtually never see the northern lights. This is because we aren't far enough north, and because we have cloudy skies many nights of the year. Even when it's clear, light pollution obscures our view.
Photo by Mark Wieman
On the night of May 10, 2024, the aurora was so strong, it overcame all obstacles. For hours, it shined a magnificent light on our region and across the northern hemisphere. The light was mostly subtle hues if viewed with the naked eye. However, if viewed through a digital camera, it showed a dazzling array of color.
Photo by Mark Wieman
I am so grateful to have witnessed this otherworldly phenomenon, with my wife, in my own neighborhood. It is truly something I never thought I'd see. It is a night I will always remember.