While out photographing the lunar and planetary conjunction of April 6, 2000, shown here, I was surprised by the brightest auroral display in 11 years. The Big Dipper stands vertical in the center of this image. The the stars of the entire Great Bear constellation (Ursa Major), of which the Big Dipper forms part, are all visible.

Nikon 24mm lens at f2.8. 30 seconds on Kodak Royal Gold 400 color negative film. 8:40 pm EST on April 6, 2000. Photographed from northern New Jersey. ©2001