On the night of March 9/10, 2003, a swirling triple auroral arc illuminated the snowy land and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline with its alien green glow. On the right center appears the "W" shape of the constellation Cassiopeia, and just to the right of the pipeline shine the stars of Perseus. To the left of the pipeline shine the stars of Auriga with its brightest star Capella.

These auroral sheets extend vertically through the atmosphere; their predominantly green light is created by glowing oxygen about 60 miles (100 km) above our planet's surface. It can be so intense at times that it even tints the snow (and pipeline) green.

●   Date:  March 13/14, 2003
●   Photo Details:  Canon body, Canon 14mm f/2.8L lens, Fuji Provia 400F, exposure data not recorded
●   Processing details:  Capture One 4.8.3, Noise Ninja 2.3.2, Photoshop CS2
●   Location:  Trans-Alaska Pipeline Visitor Center, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA