Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2023 September 27

A rural road is pictured running to the horizon with rural
grassy fields on both sides. Rising from the lower left is the
central band of our Milky Way Galaxy. Rising from the horizon
-- just at the visible end of the road, is a thin twisting band
of light twisting green and red bands -- a STEVE. The STEVE
crosses in front of the Milky Way band making a big

STEVE and Milky Way Cross over Rural Road
Image Credit & Copyright: Theresa Clarke

Explanation: Not every road ends in a STEVE. A week ago, a sky enthusiast's journey began with a goal: to photograph an aurora over Lake Huron. Driving through rural Ontario, Canada, the forecasted sky show started unexpectedly early, causing the photographer to stop before arriving at the scenic Great Lake. Aurora images were taken toward the north -- but over land, not sea. While waiting for a second round of aurorae, a peculiar band of light was noticed to the west. Slowly, the photographer and friends realized that this western band was likely an unusual type of aurora: a Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement (STEVE). Moreover, this STEVE was putting on quite a show: appearing intertwined with the central band of our Milky Way Galaxy while intersecting the horizon just near the end of the country road. After capturing this cosmic X on camera, the photographer paused to appreciate the unexpected awesomeness of finding extraordinary beauty in an ordinary setting.

Your Sky Surprise: What picture did APOD feature on your birthday? (post 1995)
Tomorrow's picture: open space


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