CapnMac82
Do that up yonder ways you might also get Aurora Borealis, too. Only saw that the once, as a young child, in late Spring out on Lake Michigan. Cool stuff.
Warning: Off Topic--long read.
Capn… I have seen the Aurora Borealis twice. Once while at my parents’ house 160 mile north, and once, believe it or not, in Milwaukee. Both were spectacular.
Here is a story that I want to share with you. It occurred about 9 years ago.
I have a longtime friend that over the years has become increasingly disabled. At that time, she could still walk and such, but not for long distances. We were considering a trip to an area called Mackinac Island. We would not stay on the island (too expensive) but, rather, stay near there in an area called Saint Ignace.
My friend is on the couch thumbing through a travel brochure whilst relaying the activities available to us on the Island. As such…they do not allow motorized vehicles on the island. You travel about either by foot, bicycle, or horse drawn wagons. It sounds cool. But, I am thinking—our activities will be very limited due to her disability. This is an 8 hour drive each way… and this idea is sounding less attractive to me by the minute. I am in the kitchen preparing a meal when she says, “here is something that YOU might like. There is an area considered Dark Sky, and it is great for night photography.”
BANG! Lightbulbs, lightning, you name it. NOW… THIS is something that could make the trip work! Photography was a passion of mine at the time, and this sounded like an awesome opportunity to photograph the Milky Way.
I did my research. Boy, there is more involved than I thought. I quickly learn that the photo gear I own is not up to the task. I need a fast lens, and, a full frame sensor body. I rented both. Along with this, I had to determine the best time to go there in relation to the moon cycle. A risen or rising moon will kill the image. I found a small window of opportunity to do this, and, within the month that we wanted to go. Lastly, in lieu of staying on an island that the brochure mentions, I decide to find a different location, one that I can come and go to. The island they mention would require an overnight stay. The remaining problem is that I must find a location near the main road, where I can safely park, and, that allows access to Lake Michigan.
Fast forwarding to the day of the trip. We get up to the general area and I watch for an access point that I can use. I was getting a little worried because we were nearly past the area I hoped for, and, no access point thus far. Finally, we came across a rest area. Hallelujah! There is safe parking and it has a path to the lake. It looked perfect. This is it… onward ho…
The first night… cloudy.
The second night cloudy. All my intricate plans are on the verge of being laid waste.
The third and last evening is mostly cloudy. This is not looking good. I resorted to imaging the Mackinac Bridge. This might have to do. It is the nature of landscape photography. Often, you are at the mercy of nature. I was having fun though. The south side of the bridge is very scenic, and, it makes for some great imaging. There were a few other like-minded people there, and, we all seem to enjoy the moment.
As time went on, and as the sunset turned to dusk, the clouds parted. There is hope. I’m watching the time closely because there is a small window of time to do this, and, it is a 40-minute drive to get there. At about 9:45 PM I throw my gear into the trunk and head to the hotel. My friend expressed an interest in going with me. Not surprisingly, she was already in bed when I get there. She had a long and arduous day of shopping! So… I head out.
It gets darker and darker as I leave the city limits. Only, occasionally, do I see another car. I begin to question the wisdom of traveling in the dead of night, and, so far from the safety of home. My biggest fear is hitting one of the many deer that roam these areas. I said my prayers and push on.
And…. I arrive. There is a tractor trailer in the lot and one other vehicle. I do not see any activity with them. I assume the people are sleeping. The time is about 11:40 PM. I step out of the car and I immediately look up. Hmm … yeah … lots of stars. In the lot there is a sort of street light blazing away that is washing things out some. Ah well…whatever. I get my gear, turn on the flashlight, and head in. There is a heavy tree line that separates the parking lot from the lake. Access to lake is over a wooden bridge that cuts through the tree line. I walk on through. When I get to the other side I am stunned at what I see. In front of me is a star canopy that extends down to the farthest edges of the lake. Never in my life have I seen so many stars. And, the tree line behind me completely obscures the parking lot light. I am not kidding when I say this. I GASPED.
I stand there a minute to take it in, and, for my eyes to adjust. It was a calm night, barely a breath of wind. Except for the gentle waves rolling in, it was dead quiet. The scene is truly surreal. I felt as though I were standing on a patch of ground suspended in deep space. It was so dark, and there are so many stars, it seems the stars themselves are casting a heavenly ethereal light on everything. It was out of this world.
I went about my business to image the Milky Way. I am struggling to stay focused on the task at hand. When I was satisfied, I turn the flashlight off, and take in the moment. It wasn’t long when I notice a glow on the horizon. The suspected culprit being a rising moon. I head to the car and sure enough, there is the moon. It had risen behind the tree line and out of my view. I load my gear and head back. The full moon is square in my windshield as the road threads its way back to Saint Ignace. This is a secondary light show for me to enjoy. I made it to the hotel safely.
I kid you not. I was haunted by this experience for at least three days. It was awesome.
Below: This is one of the images that I captured. Keep in mind that the Milky Way is not this visible to the human eye, even at this location. It is the long shutter speed that builds up the image. Of course, this image does not do justice to the scene.