On Sunday April 23, an aurora was predicted to occur. I was keen to get out, but the sky was overcast. But from my balcony I spotted a little area to the west of Calgary where there appeared to be a hole in the clouds. I got in the car and tried to find it.
The hole was just west of Mount Yamnuska. I set up in a clearing looking towards Loder Peak. Along with some minor auroral activity was a waxing moon that lit up the mountains.
Although dim, I could make out lots of different colours. Usually, minor auroras only produce green.
After a while the hole in the clouds shifted to the west. I set up at Jura Creek trailhead and waited for activity. Finally, at about a quarter to one the activity picked up.
I only had a few minutes of shooting before the clouds thickened up and blocked the view. It was like Mother Nature pulled the curtains shut and said: Show’s over, time to go home.