Bow Of Orion, 2009 (digital photo)

Creator: Karl Johnston This image shows an auroral experience. The auroras or Northern and Southern Lights are caused by the interaction between the Earth’s atmosphere and a stream of particles from the Sun known as the Solar Wind. The Earth’s magnetic field funnels these particles down over the planet’s poles, giving rise to ‘glowing curtains’ of coloured light which are best seen in the night sky. "Through careful composition which creates a rhythm and symmetry between the veils of movement in the aurora’s light and the silhouetted shapes of the trees, the photograph ‘Bow of Orion’ beautifully expresses something of the strangely musical and trance-like quality within the nature of the auroral experience.' Dan Holdsworth Born digital photograph entitled 'Bow Of Orion' by Karl Johnston taken on 13th February 2009. Taken with Canon 5oD DSLR camera; Tokina 11-16mm lens; ISO 800; 20-second exposure. Highly Commended in Earth and Space category of Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2009.