While out photographing the lunar and planetary conjunction of April 6, 2000, I was surprised by the brightest auroral display in 11 years. Near the horizon in the center of the image (and more visible in the Larger Image) from left to right are the crescent Moon, Saturn (slightly higher than the Moon), Jupiter (in the tree tops), and Mars (just above the trees).

Nikon 24mm lens at f2.8. 20 seconds on Kodak Royal Gold 400 color negative film. 8:30 pm EST on April 6, 2000. Photographed from northern New Jersey. ©2001