Merry Dancers for the Solstice!

The Northern Lights and the South Light.

 During the Winter Solstice a little extra light during the long night is a much appreciated gift. The Aurora was glowing between the clouds. The winds were very strong and shaking the camera on the tripod. Sometimes, for a few minutes the sky would blow clear enough to get a good view of the Aurora's green glow. I kept checking the sky all night, taking photos when I could. At about 1:15 am. Dec. 22nd the clouds blew past and the beaming curtains came out for about 15 minutes. I took as many photos as I could before the clouds and freezing rain blew back over the Isle hiding the fabulous display of light. It stayed covered for the rest of the night, but I was quite excited because I have been waiting months for a good showing of the Merry Dancers since I bought my new camera. The shaking winds made me hold the tripod from blowing over and kept me from the fine resolution I wanted in a photograph, but it's amazing to watch during the 10 to 20 second exposers. What a great natural spectacle at this time of year.

Beams of light in the north viewed from the Auld Haa House.

Malcolm's Head beaming.

Big Dipper over the Museum and the Chapel,
Just the green glow before the beaming and Aurora's curtains . 

Auld Haa House all a glow.

Lights over Skerry Holm and Malcolm's Head.