Radically Retired

Well Hello, STEVE!

Written by

Terry

in

,

For two days last week, Aurora was extremely strong and extended as far south as central Texas (almost four hundred miles north of us here in the RGV)

One phenomenon that can accompany extreme solar storms, is known as STEVE – a term coined in 2016 in Alberta Canada (our neighbouring province).

STEVE is an acronym for Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement and usually appears as a diagonal thin band of purple with sometimes green accompaniment across the night sky on a night when Miss Aurora is showing off farther north.

I like to think “Big Steve” visited us last week.

My nephew (a geologist) passed my photo along to his friend (a geo-scientist) who concurred that this was indeed STEVE.

Below are photos of Aurora (from both nights) that our grandson sent to us from his home in central Saskatchewan, Canada.

The first three were Tuesday night and the last three were from Wednesday night.

I’m so pleased, that at age 19, he appreciates nature as much as he does.

Comments

24 responses to “Well Hello, STEVE!”

  1. Terry Avatar
    Terry

    You’re very welcome! For some reason, your comment went to a spam folder here on WordPress. That’s why it took me so long to reply. The app has been acting up in many ways lately.

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  2. Phil Strawn Avatar
    Phil Strawn

    Wow. I saw it here in Granbury, but not as strong as you. When I lived in MN for a year or so, I saw it there, and what a spectacular light show. Sort of reminds me of my rock band’s first light show back in the ’60s.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      The bright ones further along in my post were from our grandson in Canada. All we saw here in South Texas was my feature photo of STEVE, and even that, as you know, is unusual here, Phil. Have a great day!

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  3. Forestwood Avatar
    Forestwood

    That is an incredible sight, Terry. So lucky that you could see this in your area. I am teeny bit jealous.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      We’re very fortunate in Canada to get the full meal deal with Aurora. Here, in South Texas, even STEVE (my feature photo) is extremely rare, and never the bright display our grandson caught at home. Have a great day, Amanda!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Darryl B Avatar
    Darryl B

    That is just so cool. The bottom two look angelic somehow 😎

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      Our grandson caught some good ones, especially considering that he’s had no instruction in smart phone photography. I agree about the angelic feel, Darryl. Have a fab evening!

      Liked by 1 person

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  5. Edward Ortiz Avatar
    Edward Ortiz

    Beautiful photos. We enjoyed the show and took some pictures. It was amazing.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      I’m happy you were able to experience Ms Aurora in her glory, Edward! At home in Sask Canada, we almost take her for granted because we grew up experiencing the Northern Lights every year. Not many were as brilliant as the ones our grandson saw and photographed. Have a fab rest of your day!

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Edward Ortiz Avatar
        Edward Ortiz

        Once in a lifetime experience. Thank you, Terry, and same to you.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Mid-Life Mama Avatar
    Mid-Life Mama

    Your grandson‘s photos are extraordinary! Our son-in-law sent us a couple pictures from Central Texas where they saw it as well but nothing like your grandson captured! Such an amazing stretch – I didn’t realize the length it covered. Truly amazing! Thank you for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. explorenewness Avatar
    explorenewness

    Wowza! Awesome photos. And thanks for teaching us something NEW! I didn’t know about Steve until today. I captured a couple of photos too (thanks to my sister in law who alerted us of Steve that night!).

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      I’m happy I was able to teach you something NEW, Lenore! Have a fab rest of your day!

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  8. Lana Avatar
    Lana

    Go Steve! You look amazing ;-D

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      LOL – Thanks, Lana!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. Betty Avatar
    Betty

    Beautiful photos! Thanks for introducing me to STEVE. I didn’t know about him. Have a great day, Terry!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      You’re very welcome, Betty. Have a great day!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. mary Avatar
    mary

    Beautiful!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      Thanks, Mary!

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  11. annemariedemyen Avatar
    annemariedemyen

    Beautiful photos! Have you ever heard the northern lights sing? I dont think it happens here, but I experienced it when I was living in Thompson, MB decades ago. Amazing stuff.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that, Anne. Is it sort of like an electrical hum? That’s how I would imagine it.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. annemariedemyen Avatar
        annemariedemyen

        That would be how I remember, but quite high pitched.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Suzanne@PictureRetirement Avatar
    Suzanne@PictureRetirement

    Oh, my goodness!! Thank you for making my day.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      You’re very welcome, Suzanne and I hope the rest of your day is good!

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