Aurora Borealis Event on October 10, 2024

10 October:

A coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun on Tuesday October 8 resulted in a severe magnetic storm at Earth on Thursday October 10. We saw one of the substorms here around 8 to 9 pm. CDT in Northfield MN. We were out in one of the open parts of the Carleton College Arboretum. The best displays were nearly overhead and not near the horizon. According to a Carleton College astronomy professor we were likely looking up into the lower curtain edges of the high energy plasma. It was very cool, and the camera was able to accent the colors. Here are some samples.

Canon 5D Mark IV, ISO 200, 50 mm lens at f/1.8, 4 seconds

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

On October 5 we went to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. I ventured out from the manicured central section out into the farther regions of the arboretum. The first image is of an old oak tree located along the aptly named Oak Trail, and the second image is near the end of the Ridge Trail as it passes a marsh. I like the density of the marsh grasses.

Canon 5D Mk IV

Along the Oak Trail

Near the end of the Ridge Trail

Star Trails

On October 4 I went out in the late evening looking for the elusive Aurora Borealis. Although it was not to be found, I did find some star trails. I have not done this in a while, so it was fun to repeat the process. It is always rewarding to see the colors of the stars.

Canon 5D Mk IV

Two creeks

September 30 and October 3: Here are photos of two creeks in the Northfield area, taken on gravel bike rides. The first is Prairie Creek and the second is Dutch Creek.

iPhone 15

Prairie Creek

Dutch Creek

Black Cohosh

25 July 2025: A photo of these very graceful flowers in morning light.

Canon 5D Mk 4

Grounds of the Red Barn Farm

July 17: The Red Barn Farm is a wedding venue and occasional pizzeria located a few miles southwest of Northfield. We went there for Wednesday night pizza, which was really good. This view is from one of the balconies looking out over the adjacent fields.

Canon 5D Mk 4

Hosta, U. of Minnesota Arboretum

July 17: This is one of many varieties of Hosta plants that are at the University of Minnesota Arboretum in Chaska. It was a beautiful day to wander the grounds.

Canon 5D Mk 4

Boiler, Central Block Building, Northfield

July 16, 2024: An old boiler in the Central Block building on Division Street in Northfield. The building dates to 1893, and was renovated in 1988.

Canon 5D Mk 4

The Contented Cow

July 16, 2024: The back side of The Contented Cow, a Welsh-style pub in downtown Northfield.

Canon 5D

Fine Fettle

16 July 2024:

Taken on an early morning walk in downtown Northfield.

Canon 5D Mk 4

Riding Minnesota Gravel #8

July 14: Taken along Idalia Avenue between 310th street and 320th street, north and west of Northfield. It was a nice quiet Sunday morning for a ride, and the ponds in the area are all very full.

iPhone 15

Triathlon Lab

May 2024: A local bike shop.

Hasselblad 500 C/M, Ilford HP5

Route 66

9 May 2024: Old Route 66 (here Goffs Road) passing through Essex Fenner in the Mojave Desert. It is located between Needles and Barstow.

Hasselblad 500C/M, Ilford HP5

The Battleship

May 8, 2024: This is the rock formation called The Battleship (I think) on the west side of Garden Creek Canyon. It is lit by the setting sun, and I took this photo from the upper part of the Bright Angel Trail.

Hasselblad 500C/M, Kodak Gold 200

Lookout Studio

May 7, 2024: This is Lookout Studio, located along the Rim Trail in Grand Canyon Village. Lily is the small dot red, taking in the views.

Hasselblad 500C/M, Kodak Gold 200

Same tree, two views

This photogenic tree is up near the top of the Bright Angel Trail. One image is from early in the morning (with the rock face to the right in shadow) and the other image is from late afternoon.

Hasselblad 500C/M, Kodak Gold 200

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