"This was the most intense and amazing natural phenomenon I have ever had the privilege of observing," says photographer André Harms. "It was such an exhilarating feeling when the sky just exploded in a kaleidoscope of moving colors."

Harms works at SANAE IV, the South African Antarctic research station in coastal Dronning Maud Land just inside the Antarctic Circle. The base itself is located on top of a distinctive flat-topped nunatak, which offers observers a fine view of the sky.

Canon 5D, 35mm lens @ 2.8, 20 sec ISO 1600 1st Aurora I have seen of this Solar Cycle.

An evening of very soft and generally slow moving auroras, but they were already visible overhead in the twilight sky as I headed out to my shooting spot, which was about 40 minutes away. I kept glancing up and realizing what I was missing. Auroras against a twilight sky can be stunning. Almost ran to the hilltop to beat the retreating sun. Auroras were in the sky constantly all throughout the evening. Slow moving patterns of arcs came and went endlessly. What a night, and even caught a meteor again. I love it when that happens. Sometimes life is good. Most shots at 6 seconds, but twilight I used 2-4 seconds with ISO 500 at twilight, ISO 1000 in dark. F2.8. What made it so special was that it was the 40th birthday of my lovely twin girls!

Here is a link to a shot of Aurora Australis - (Southern Lights) I shot last night over Lake Dunstan in Central Otago, New Zealand http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrCWd8yT2OA There was a small one Monday night but this one from last night (6th April 2010) is quite spectacular. Please feel free to embed the YouTube clip. cheers, Steve

It's been a long time since we have been able to see any auroras in this area. Last night was a welcomed sight even with the light pollution! Nikon D200 ISO 1000 30s f3.5