January 1, 2008
The universe has spent billions of years making things that shine. On your birthday, we celebrate one of its quieter masterpieces.
Rays from an Unexpected Aurora
Birthday · January 1, 2008
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APOD published January 1, 2008. Credit: Lyndon Anderson (Prairie Journal). A publication-date match, not a photo taken on your date. Independent of NASA.
This aurora was a bit of a surprise. For starters, on this day in 2002, no intense auroral activity was expected at all. Possibly more surprising, however, the aurora appeared to show an usual structure of green rays from some locations. In this view, captured from North Dakota, USA, a picket fence of green rays stretches toward the horizon. Mirroring the green rays is a red band, somewhat rare in its own right. Lights from the cities of Bismarck and Mandan are visible near the horizon. Note: A German language mirror of APOD is now available.
Image credit: Lyndon Anderson (Prairie Journal)