Aurora Australis: A Spectacular Light Show Over Hawke's Bay
Stitched 180 degree panoramic consisting of 17 separate overlapped images, each exposure being 4 seconds at f/2.8, ISO 4000. Processed in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
This weekend's celestial spectacle over Hawke's Bay (and many other parts of New Zealand, and indeed the rest of the world) was a magnificent treat for photographers, astronomers and stargazers alike! The Aurora Australis, also known as the Southern Lights, put on an extraordinary display that left viewers in awe - the best show in 20 years!
Three photographers, Richard Wood, Chris Helliwell and myself were granted permission to head out onto Cape Sanctuary, located at the northern end of Ocean Beach to photograph the spectacle - a huge privilege to be given access, so many thanks to Liz and Andy Lowe for this!
In conclusion, the Aurora Australis which provided such a spectacle in the night skies of Hawke's Bay was not only a feast for the eyes but also an illustration of the beautiful interplay between the Earth's environment and cosmic forces. Keep an eye on the skies, and on scientific updates - nature's most exhilarating light show might just make another grand appearance!
Looking towards Waimarama - Aurora Australis with a satellite passing overhead, as seen from Cape Sanctuary, Hawke's Bay, NZ. 4 seconds at f/2.8, ISO 4000. Processed in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
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