Rays from an Unexpected Aurora

This aurora was a bit of a surprise. For starters, on this day in 2002,
no intense auroral activity was expectedat all. Possibly more surprising,
however, the aurora appeared to show an usual structure of green rays from
some locations. In this view, captured from North Dakota, USA, a picket
fence of green rays stretches toward the horizon. Mirroring the green rays
is a red band, somewhat rare in its own right. Lights from the cities of
Bismarck and Mandan are visible near the horizon.