Lavender Lights: The Night the Sky Danced in Purple
After an evening in downtown Ottawa, filled with the warmth and chatter of a birthday dinner party, I returned home only to find a captivating spectacle unfolding in the night sky. The Auroral Oval on the Space Weather Forcast was ablaze with activity, a rare and thrilling sight, especially so far south from the polar regions. Despite my eagerness to share this moment, my calls to friends found them all preoccupied, leaving me to embark on this adventure alone.
Resolved to witness this stunning celestial display, I quickly assembled my equipment. Armed with my Canon 5D Mark II and the 24-105mm IS L kit lens, I was ready to capture the marvels of the night. Leaving the city’s bright lights behind, I ventured upriver, drawn by the peaceful shores of Constance Bay. In this serene setting, far from the city’s glare, the sky unfurled its full glory, adorned with countless stars. The Milky Way arched majestically across the heavens, and the cool, crisp air of a mid-spring night enveloped everything around.
As I set up on the desolate beach, the auroras began their ethereal dance. Ribbons of green unfurled across the sky, their reflections shimmering on the Ottawa River’s surface. But tonight’s display held a unique marvel – traces of purple mingling with the emerald arcs, a phenomenon I hadn’t witnessed before. The presence of these hues hinted at the complexities and mysteries still held within our universe, a visual symphony of charged particles and magnetic fields.
Suddenly, the auroras evolved in a burst of light that lasted quite some time. Their radiant drapes moved more vividly across the horizon, now easily seen with the naked eye. They extended over the Gatineau Hills, forming an extraordinary scene. Standing alone on the beach, the noise of the outside world seemed to disappear, overtaken by the soothing sounds of waves softly brushing against the shore. This solitude, far from being lonely, felt like a private audience. It felt like an intimate connection with the vastness above.
As the night’s spectacle began to wane, it was time for me to pack my gear. My camera, having captured the majestic dance of lights, was now stowed away after fulfilling its purpose for the evening. Filled with awe from the night’s display, I departed the peaceful shores of Constance Bay. The drive home was contemplative and serene, providing a moment to reflect on the evening’s remarkable sights.
Arriving back from where the evening’s adventure began, the contrast between the lively dinner party and the serene solitude of aurora chasing was stark. However, each experience uniquely added to the richness of the night. As I settled in for some much-needed sleep, the memories of the auroras, with their unexpected hues of purple and their rhythmic dance over the Ottawa River, gently ushered me into dreams where the auroras continued their endless ballet.
Lavender Lights. That evening’s birthday girl’s favourite colour. Perfect.