Subj : Daily APOD Report
To   : All
From : Alan Ianson
Date : Wed Sep 27 2023 01:23:02

                        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 auroras, 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
     __________________________________________________________________

       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply.
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                      A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC,
                           NASA Science Activation
                             & Michigan Tech. U.

--- BBBS/Li6 v4.10 Toy-6
 * Origin: The Rusty MailBox - Penticton, BC Canada (1:153/757)

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