S.T.E.V.E. Paints the Night Sky Over Copper Harbor

While the auroras are a familiar spectacle, a lesser-known and equally captivating celestial dance has been gracing our skies: STEVE.

What is STEVE?

Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancements (STEVEs) have likely been observed for centuries, but it's only in the last five years that scientists have recognized their distinct characteristics – vibrant colors and unique shapes that set them apart from traditional auroras. Often appearing as a single, bright streak of pink and purple, the precise origin of STEVEs is still an active area of research.

One leading theory suggests a connection to subauroral ion drifts (SAIDs), essentially a fast-moving river of energetic atmospheric ions. For reasons yet to be fully understood, STEVEs are frequently accompanied by a mesmerizing green 'picket-fence' aurora.

A Glimpse of the Phenomenon

The featured image captures a spectacular STEVE over Copper Harbor, Michigan, USA. This image is a composite of foreground and background exposures taken consecutively in mid-March. This particular STEVE was an impressive display, lasting several minutes, stretching from horizon to horizon, and appearing between periods of more typical auroral activity.

Witnessing such an event is truly a privilege, reminding us of the incredible and often unseen wonders of our planet's atmosphere and its interaction with space.