On October 10, 2024, something truly magical happened in the skies above Rockport, MA—a vibrant display of the Northern Lights brought by one of the strongest geomagnetic storms we’ve had in recent years. For New Englanders, witnessing auroras this far south is rare, making this night all the more remarkable. The geomagnetic storm was powerful enough to push the auroras deep into lower latitudes, giving Rockport a front-row seat to a vivid, unforgettable show. The colors were astonishingly bright, with shades of green, purple, and even flashes of red painting the sky and casting an otherworldly glow over our coastal town.
One of the highlights of the night for me was capturing Motif #1, our iconic red fishing shack, against the first blush of the auroras. As I was setting up, I noticed a faint glow beginning to appear over the horizon. At first, it was subtle, almost like a whisper of light, but within moments, it intensified, illuminating the sky behind Motif #1 in hues of green and purple. Watching the auroras slowly fill the sky above that familiar silhouette was surreal—a beautiful blend of the grounded and the cosmic.
As the auroras grew stronger, they lit up the night in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Their reflection rippled across the waters of Rockport Harbor, doubling the visual impact and creating a scene that felt almost dreamlike. The colors danced and shifted, painting the night with vibrant energy that was both awe-inspiring and humbling. Each photo I captured felt like a gift, preserving a rare moment when our small coastal town was touched by the far reaches of the universe.
This display of the Northern Lights over Rockport reminded me of how unpredictable and captivating nature can be. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect night to witness and capture the auroras, and now these images hold a special place in my portfolio—a cherished memory of when the northern skies graced Rockport with their rare and luminous beauty.
Happy Shooting Everyone!
<3 Ann
