When it comes to capturing Northern Lights/Auroras, Isaac Diener is at the top of the list here in the Keweenaw. He captured these shots this past week in Eagle Harbor Township, of an atmospheric optical phenomenon called STEVE which is an acronym for “Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement”.

Isaac’s photos were actually published on the Space.com webpage where they said this about the phenomenon: “A Michigan-based sky photographer got an unexpected treat last night when an aurora-like ribbon of glowing stripes paraded just above his head. The ribbon was caused by the phenomenon known as STEVE (for Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement), a rare type of atmospheric glow similar to polar lights, which can be triggered when a stream of solar plasma interacts with Earth's atmosphere and magnetosphere. STEVE, first described in 2016 by skywatchers in Canada, can occur farther away from the poles than an aurora and is far less common.” Congratulations, Isaac and thanks for sharing the photos with us, too!

We’re coming back down to earth for today’s video and heading to Bare Bluff in the Keweenaw, with Rob, from Michigan Rocks, along with Cody and Craig from Michigan Rockhounds who will fill us in on the Geology and scenery from UP there. Rob points out that if you love the views, but are intimidated by their walk down, you should know that you can get to the views without hiking on a very difficult trail. Just take the trail to the left when you get to the fork and come back the way you came in. The rough trail was only after the views of Lake Superior.

Best photos of STEVE that I have ever seen! And of course Michigan Rocks rocks!

I've never heard of these though Ron said he
caught it on the news. Very nice. My
rockhound enjoyed the video very much. I
enjoyed the part that told me there's an
easier trail to get to the views.

Thanks for sharing these. I learned
something again today.