An observed Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) observed on Saturday, May 31, 2025 and directed toward Earth promised a G4-class solar storm and probable significant aurora (northern lights) displays as far south as the midsection of the United States. There was just one problem: ongoing Canadian wildfires emanating from Manitoba and Ontario were drifting south and southeast veiling those skies in a layer of thin but opaque smoke. The smoke did enhance the appearance of the sun and moon but blocked most stars and the accompanying ghostly auroras. An example of an enhanced sun is seen above, looking east from the parking lot at Noelridge Christian Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at 7:34 am on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
NOAA wildfire smoke forecast map for Monday, June 2, with an arrow showing my location.
12:30 am CDT, Monday, June 2, 2025. With high hopes but ultimately with nothing to show for it, I positioned myself on North Marion Road, about 2.2 miles north of County Home Road, and about 1.5 miles southeast of Alburnett, Iowa in Linn County. At first I hoped the luminous area seen above was aurora, but it didn't move or fluctuate, so I quickly realized this was a hazy reflection from a town--in this case Central City, Iowa.
Aurora Alerts app for 12:25 am, June 2. The southern penetration of the aurora covers most of Iowa.
12:41 am. June 2. Looking west. An example of an enhanced setting crescent moon. Because of wildfire smoke the moon appears orange. 8 second exposure at f/4.5, ISO 1250, 24mm focal length.
12:42 am. June 2. Looking north. A final attempt to capture even a faint glimpse of aurora. But only the brightest stars at top appear in this 20 second exposure. Left empty handed.
Next night/morning. 12:31 am CDT, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Looking north from a parking lot at Lowe Park in Marion, Iowa. Again, nothing but the brightest stars and terrestrial light sources are visible. (Possible dim aurora just right of the smaller tree).
12:33 am. Similar shot from near the Lowe Park ball diamond. Drifting clouds--not aurora--are seen at upper left. Nikon Z6ii camera.
Aurora Alerts images and data for 12:41 am. Very frustrating and disappointing as a cameraman in response to the no-show!
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