This remarkable photograph captures a serene and rare celestial event over Buck Lake, Nashwauk, Minnesota. Taken in October 2024, the image features a gentle yet vibrant Kp3 Aurora, its soft red and green lights shimmering across the night sky. The celestial display is mirrored perfectly in the calm, reflective waters of the lake, creating a stunning double exposure of color and light.
The Kp-index, or planetary K-index, is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity and the strength of the aurora. A Kp3 reading indicates a moderate level of activity, making the aurora visible at higher latitudes like Minnesota, a special treat for local skywatchers. The colors of the aurora are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in Earth's atmosphere. The vibrant greens are a result of oxygen at lower altitudes, while the rarer reds come from oxygen at higher altitudes, adding a beautiful dimension to this otherworldly display.
Nashwauk, nestled in the heart of Minnesota's Iron Range, has a history deeply tied to the iron ore industry. The town was founded in the early 1900s to support the booming mining operations in the area. While the landscape around Buck Lake now appears tranquil and untouched, it is part of a region whose past was shaped by the hard work of miners and the economic engine of iron ore. This print captures a moment of natural magic, a perfect blend of Earth's quiet beauty and the cosmos's dazzling light show, set in a landscape with a rich, industrial past.
Available with our premium frames or as a standalone print:
Premium Framed Paper Prints (Classic Presentation)
Our Premium Framed Paper Prints offer a classic, museum-quality presentation with a substantial frame profile.
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Frame Material: Crafted from responsibly sourced oak and ash wood, showcasing unique wood grains for added character.
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Frame Color: Choose from natural wood, sleek black, or crisp white options.
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Frame Dimensions: Substantial profile with a width and thickness of 20mm (0.79”)—significantly wider than a classic frame.
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Ready-to-Hang: Includes a hanging kit.
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Protection: Protected by shatterproof plexiglass.
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Note: Uses the high-quality paper detailed below.
Framed Canvas Prints (The Gallery Look)
Elevate your space with our Framed Canvas Prints, featuring rich texture that adds depth for a captivating art experience.
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Canvas Material: Cotton-polyester blend (300-350gsm) stretched over FSC-certified wood stretcher bars.
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Frame Wood: Sustainably sourced FSC-certified or locally sourced poplar or pine.
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Frame Colors: Choose from Black, Natural Wood, or Dark Brown.
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Frame Dimensions (Floater Style): The front frame width is thin (9 to 14 mm) with a gap to create the floating effect. Thickness varies by region (up to 42 mm).
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Hanging Kit: Included with all prints.
Unframed & Premium Print Paper Quality
This paper quality applies to all Unframed Prints and the paper used inside the Premium Framed Paper Prints.
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Paper Weight: Heavy 200 gsm (80 lb), with a thickness of 0.22 mm (8.7 mils), ensuring durability and longevity.
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Paper Finishing: Features a matte, smooth, uncoated finish for an elegant, non-glare look.
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Sustainable Paper: Made with FSC-certified materials or equivalent, promoting environmental responsibility.
