Heavenly Hues

I set out one night along the southern coast of North Carolina, determined to capture something extraordinary. Armed with my camera gear, I found a secluded spot by the shore, where the waves quietly kissed the rocks under the vast, open sky. As the night deepened, a rare phenomenon known as Stable Auroral Red Arcs (SAR arcs) began to paint the sky in a surreal pink hue.

SAR arcs are a beautiful yet uncommon occurrence, especially at this latitude. They are caused by solar particles interacting with the Earth's magnetic field, creating a reddish-pink glow in the upper atmosphere. Witnessing this phenomenon in person was nothing short of magical.

As the sky unfolded before me, the Milky Way emerged in all its brilliance, adding to the spectacle. Off in the distance, a lightning storm silently illuminated the horizon, creating a dramatic contrast to the serene, star-filled sky above. I knew I had found the shot I had been waiting for.

The misty rocks below, gently caressed by the ocean’s waves, provided the perfect foreground for this celestial display. Capturing this rare moment—where the ocean, Milky Way, SAR arcs, and a distant lightning storm all converged in such a stunning way—made all the preparation worth it.

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