With an almost clear sky, we went on in Sugluk Inlet to watch the best northern lights of January 2009.

Photo details: Canon EOS 30D, 10mm, f3.5, ISO 800, 4-8 sec. exp.

Although the aurora display was mildly active, it was not sufficiently bright to warrant going outside to take pictures. Therefore, we were not prepared for first rocket launch from Poker Flat Research Station approximately 25 miles NE of Fairbanks shortly before 1 am local time, so when the second rocket was launched shortly after the first, I took the pictures hand held through the window, which explains the lousy quality and double track of the rocket in the second picture.

Photo details: Nikon D3 14-28 f2.8. ISO 1600 @ 5 Seconds.

Photo details: Nikon D3, Nikkor 20mm, 8 sec exposure

Due to the low magnetic activity, the northern lights were only visible at the northern horizon. But for our guests who were visiting our polarlightcenter it was like a gift.

Photo details: Canon D400, 25 sec. F.3.5 Asa 1600

The Aurora forecast was good this weekend according to the spaceweather.com, so I booked flights to Yukon to test out Canon EOS 5D MarkII. Most parts of the skies were clear from time to time, I concentrated to photograph Milky Way along with Aurora. EF15mm/2.8 Fisheye lens