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< Back John Andersen Blogger, Photographer, Geologist John Andersen, a passionate photographer based in Calgary, Alberta, brings a wealth of experience as a dedicated night photographer. With a profound love for chasing the aurora and capturing the enchanting light of the golden hour, John's portfolio showcases his mastery in the art of photography john.andersen95@yahoo.ca

< Back E.J.R Hardy Blog Writer As a blog writer for PhotoVibe, E.J. Hardy highlights his remarkable 33-year tenure in the Canadian Armed Forces. He has excelled in roles as both a Non-Commissioned Member and a Commissioned Officer, contributing to the Regular and Reserve Force across branches such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Joint Environments. His extensive experience encompasses various levels of command, including the Tactical, Operational, and Strategic, and includes domestic and international deployments. Throughout his journey, he has solemnly participated in laying comrades to rest with the Honor Guard, providing support to grieving families during repatriations and funerals, and confronting the harsh realities of losing colleagues. His service has brought him into life-threatening situations, including encounters with enemy soldiers and facing the menacing presence of firearms. Despite these challenges and sacrifices, E.J. Hardy bears no regrets about his military service. He has had the privilege of exploring the world and experiencing its diverse facets. His unwavering commitment is underscored by his pension, and the enduring love and support of his family have played a pivotal role throughout his journey. The "Soldier's Book of Poems" reflects the profound emotional toll of his service, with his family providing unwavering support.

Healing Horizons: A Rural and Remote Healthcare Journey Client: Dre Erwin Year: Journey through our portfolio, 'Healing Horizons,' and embark on a visual exploration of healthcare in remote and rural regions. These images and stories capture the dedicated individuals who bridge gaps and provide care where it's needed most. From breathtaking landscapes to inspiring human connections, our portfolio showcases the untold narratives of compassion, perseverance, and hope in healthcare's distant frontiers. Previous Next Kanika Starr I love seeing Dre Erwin's beautiful pictures of the northern lights, so relaxing Mike Natomagan It's amazing what people can do when they put their mind to it Jessica Lynne Sinkewicz Dre's photography always jumps out at me as Im scrolling through the facebook! The imagry and colors are always spectacular. He captures the beauty in the world, that so often gets overlooked. Rora Love I love your photos! Makes me miss home

If you missed the stunning aurora borealis displays over North America on May 10, you're in luck. This Friday night offers another opportunity to see this breathtaking phenomenon. The sunspot region responsible for triggering Earth's largest magnetic storm in nearly 20 years has once again rotated to the Earth-facing side of the sun. Although it's currently less active than it was earlier this month, it still holds potential for significant geomagnetic activity. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) rates geomagnetic storms on a scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). While the storm on May 10 was a G4, this Friday's storm is forecasted to be a G2, indicating a moderate storm. Auroras often appear as a milky green glow in the night sky. They occur when the sun emits a strong surge of solar wind from its corona, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME). This solar plasma disturbs the outer part of Earth's magnetic field, triggering a geomagnetic storm. These storms can sometimes impact infrastructure, disrupting communications, power grids, navigation systems, and radio and satellite operations. On May 29, the sun emitted a significant solar flare, classified as X1.4, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. This flare originated from Active Region 3697 and is expected to reach Earth starting Friday afternoon, continuing into early Saturday morning. For the latest updates on the aurora borealis, be sure to visit the NOAA website. Don't miss this chance to witness one of nature's most awe-inspiring displays! Dre Erwin, a former Canadian Armed Forces member and dedicated nurse, is an inspirational figure in mental health support. His passion for therapeutic photography and youth well-being has earned widespread recognition. Dre authored the bestselling children's book 'The Little Boy Who Found Happiness in the Most Unusual Place' and was featured in the CBC documentary 'A New Lens on Life' for his innovative approach to mental health challenges. His story inspires nurses and healthcare providers to think creatively and make a positive impact in their practice. Stay connected with us on Facebook for additional tips and tricks: Follow Dre Erwin Photography at https://www.facebook.com/DreErwinPhotography.

Introduction: As spring unfolds across the northern hemisphere, nature's canvas begins to paint itself with vibrant colors and renewed life. Amidst this seasonal transformation, another spectacle awaits those who gaze skyward: the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights. In this blog, we explore the anticipated outlook for witnessing this celestial wonder in May 2024, particularly in the vast expanses of North America. Understanding the Aurora Borealis: The aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's magnetosphere. When these particles collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere, they emit light, creating shimmering curtains of color that dance across the night sky, predominantly in polar regions. Factors Influencing the Aurora Forecast: Several factors influence the visibility and intensity of the aurora borealis, making its prediction an intricate endeavor. However, scientists and enthusiasts rely on various indicators to estimate the likelihood of witnessing this mesmerizing display. Solar Activity: The aurora borealis is closely linked to solar activity, particularly solar flares and coronal mass ejections. During periods of heightened solar activity, the Northern Lights may be more frequent and vivid. Geomagnetic Conditions: Geomagnetic storms, triggered by disturbances in the Earth's magnetosphere, can amplify the auroral activity. These storms often result from fluctuations in the solar wind and can enhance the visibility of the Northern Lights. Atmospheric Conditions: Clear skies and minimal light pollution are essential for optimal aurora viewing. Areas with low humidity and minimal cloud cover offer the best chances of observing the aurora borealis in its full splendor. Outlook for May 2024: As we delve into the aurora borealis outlook for May 2024, several factors come into play: Solar Activity: Solar activity is expected to be moderate in May 2024, with occasional bursts of increased sunspot activity. While this may not lead to intense auroral displays comparable to those during solar maximum, there remains a possibility of witnessing captivating Northern Lights, especially in regions closer to the Arctic Circle. Geomagnetic Conditions: Geomagnetic conditions are anticipated to be relatively stable during May 2024, with sporadic minor geomagnetic disturbances. While these disturbances may not result in widespread auroral activity, localized sightings of the Northern Lights are still possible, particularly in northern latitudes. Best Viewing Locations: For those eager to witness the aurora borealis in May 2024, here are some recommended viewing locations in North America: Alaska: Known for its dark skies and proximity to the Arctic Circle, Alaska offers excellent opportunities for observing the Northern Lights. Northern Canada: Remote wilderness areas in northern Canada, such as Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, provide optimal conditions for aurora viewing. Northern United States: States bordering Canada, such as Minnesota, Michigan, and Maine, occasionally experience auroral displays, particularly during periods of heightened solar activity. Tips for Auroral Viewing: To maximize your chances of witnessing the aurora borealis in May 2024, consider the following tips: Stay informed: Monitor aurora forecasts and geomagnetic activity reports to plan your aurora-hunting excursions. Choose dark sky locations: Seek out areas with minimal light pollution and clear northern horizons for optimal viewing conditions. Be patient: Nature's light show can be unpredictable, so prepare to spend time outdoors and remain patient for the Northern Lights to appear. Capture the moment: Bring along a camera with manual settings to capture stunning photographs of the aurora borealis and preserve your memories. Conclusion: As May 2024 unfolds, anticipation mounts for the possibility of witnessing the aurora borealis in North America. While solar activity may be moderate and geomagnetic conditions relatively stable, the Northern Lights continue to inspire awe and wonder in those fortunate enough to witness their ethereal dance across the night sky. Whether you're an avid aurora chaser or embarking on your first aurora adventure, May presents an opportunity to experience the magic of the Northern Lights and immerse yourself in the splendor of the natural world. Dre Erwin, a former Canadian Armed Forces member and dedicated nurse, is an inspirational figure in mental health support. His passion for therapeutic photography and youth well-being has earned widespread recognition. Dre authored the bestselling children's book 'The Little Boy Who Found Happiness in the Most Unusual Place' and was featured in the CBC documentary 'A New Lens on Life' for his innovative approach to mental health challenges. His story inspires nurses and healthcare providers to think creatively and make a positive impact in their practice. Stay connected with us on Facebook for additional tips and tricks: Follow Dre Erwin Photography at https://www.facebook.com/DreErwinPhotography.

Canadians who missed the recent stunning displays of the northern lights across the country, and even as far south as Florida, may still have a chance in the coming weeks. According to Dr. Robyn Fiori from the Canadian Hazards Information Service at Natural Resources Canada, "Right now we're in a period of solar maximum." The sun operates on an 11-year cycle known as the solar cycle, and we're currently experiencing a phase of increased solar activity. "This will be a two or three year period where we’re going to see a lot of solar activity, a lot of X-ray flares, and a lot of CMEs," Dr. Fiori explained. CMEs, or coronal mass ejections, are bursts of plasma from the sun's corona that travel outward at speeds ranging from a couple of hundred to several thousand kilometers per second. When these CMEs interact with Earth's magnetic field, they can cause spectacular auroras, also known as the aurora borealis. However, there's a catch. For the interaction to occur and for us to see the northern lights, the CME must actually hit the Earth. If the eruption occurs on the edge of the sun and is not facing our planet, it will miss us entirely. Dr. Fiori noted a significant solar flare recently, designated X-3 in strength. Solar flares are ranked A, B, C, M, and X, with X being the most intense. This particular flare came from an active region of the sun that is just rotating onto the visible side. If associated with a CME, it wouldn't be directed towards Earth. Since the sun rotates on its axis every 27 days, once an active area turns away from Earth, it won’t be facing us again for almost another month. This rotation could bring new active regions into alignment with our planet. Tracking CMEs is relatively straightforward as scientists can observe them erupt and estimate their speed. However, predicting their impact on auroras is more complex. Dr. Fiori explained, "We need more information than just speed to determine how well a CME will interact with our magnetic field. The more it interconnects, the stronger the auroral response." She added that satellites stationed at the Lagrange point L1, located a few million kilometers from Earth, provide critical data as CMEs pass by. This data helps scientists predict the impact on Earth's magnetic field. Despite the unpredictability, the length of the solar cycle means there are ample opportunities ahead. The solar maximum is expected to peak next year and has already shown more robust activity than the previous cycle. Dr. Fiori also cautioned about potential impacts on technology such as radio communications and global positioning systems. On an individual level, there’s nothing specific you need to do for space weather, but staying informed can heighten your chances of witnessing the northern lights, especially during major geomagnetic storm watches. For the latest updates on space weather, including current geomagnetic activity and storm warnings, visit Space Weather Canada. Dre Erwin, a former Canadian Armed Forces member and dedicated nurse, is an inspirational figure in mental health support. His passion for therapeutic photography and youth well-being has earned widespread recognition. Dre authored the bestselling children's book 'The Little Boy Who Found Happiness in the Most Unusual Place' and was featured in the CBC documentary 'A New Lens on Life' for his innovative approach to mental health challenges. His story inspires nurses and healthcare providers to think creatively and make a positive impact in their practice. Stay connected with us on Facebook for additional tips and tricks: Follow Dre Erwin Photography at https://www.facebook.com/DreErwinPhotography.