This northern light in Finland was observed from Rovaniemi, a town located 10 kilometers southward from the arctic circle. Pictures were taken between 6:00 PM on 01/19/02 and 1H30 AM on 01/20/02 (local time is UT+2)
Here is the statistical auroral oval map at the beginning of the observation, at approximately 16H10 TU (18H30 Rovaniemi local time). This map is established in real time by the NOAA Space Environment Center using NOAA-15 polar satellite. At this time the auroral activity level has reached its maximum value at 10. The green dot represents the position of Riovaniemi.
A few kilometers northward from Rovaniemi, the aurora is seen at about 6H30 PM looking to the east. Jupiter is the brightest object with the Gemini stars on the left. At bottom right, a false aurora resulting from Rovaniemi lights reflecting on icy clouds. Three 8 seconds exposures have been added.
 |
Movie from this
picture (350x262 .GIF format 253K)
Elapsed time is about one minute.
Another picture captured in the same conditions, looking slightly to the left direction. Three 8 seconds exposures have been added.
 |
Movie from this
picture (350x262 .GIF format 362K)
Elapsed time is about one minute and a half.
A few kilometers northward from Rovaniemi, the aurora is seen at about 6H30 PM looking to the west. On the top right of this picture the Cygnus constellation. On the top of the right tree, the Delphinus constellation. Two 8 seconds exposures have been added.
 |
At about 8H30 PM, the aurora is seen above Rovaniemi from the Ounasvaara hill, looking to the north-west. On the top right, behind the cables of a ski tow, the Cygnus constellation. Three 8 seconds exposures have been added.
 |
Movie from this
picture (400x299 .GIF format 225K)
Elapsed time is about one minute.
At about 8H30 PM, the aurora is seen above Rovaniemi from the Ounasvaara hill, looking to the north-east. At the bottom, the Kemijoki river covered with ice. Temperature at this moment was -20°C. On the left, Bootes and Corona Borealis constellations. Three 8 seconds exposures have been added.
 |
Movie from this
picture (500x375 .GIF format 277K)
Elapsed time is about one minute.
At about 1H30 AM, the aurora is seen from the Rovaniemi center, looking to the north-west. This picture was captured behind the window of a hotel room. Looking like a ghost above the town, the aurora stays clearly visible despite of the urban lights. On the top left, Saturn and the Pleďades cluster. 8 seconds exposure.
 |
Movie of this
picture (400x300 .GIF format 674K)
Elapsed time is about four minutes.
Another picture captured in the same conditions. 8 seconds exposure.
 |
A few kilometers northward from Rovaniemi, the aurora is seen at about 6H30 PM, looking to the west. Fuji Superia 800 with 28mm F/2.8 lens. 30 seconds exposure.
 |
The aurora is seen above Rovaniemi from the Ounasvaara hill at about 8H30 PM, looking to the north-east. Fuji Superia 800 with 28mm F/2.8 lens. 30 seconds exposure.
 |
The aurora is seen above Rovaniemi from the Ounasvaara hill at about 8H30 PM, looking to the north. Fuji Superia 800 with 28mm F/2.8 lens. 30 seconds exposure.
 |
The aurora is seen above Rovaniemi from the Ounasvaara hill at about 8H30 PM, looking to the north-west. Fuji Superia 800 with 28mm F/2.8 lens. 30 seconds exposure.
 |
Some wonderful pictures of this same aurora: