Northern Lights, Juneau, Alaska – Image 2591

In 1997, the comet Hale Bopp was visible for almost the entire amazingly clear month of April. In early April, I had shot the comet over town but had completely blown my exposures. Every one, I knew was getting great images of the comet. So, toward the end of April and the comet’s viewing life, I decided to do another shoot. To my amazement and disbelief, the northern lights came out and somehow I got the exposure right…balanced between the comet, the northern lights and the city lights. This image illustrates the month of December in my 2009 Juneau Alaska Calendar which has been published for 20 consecutive years. This image is also available as a note card. Nikon F5, Lens: 35-70mm f/2.8 Nikkor, Fuji Velvia slide film-Mark Kelley