Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
Starlit Silence: The Tree and the Aurora

This photograph captures a stunning scene from Belwood Conservation Area in Ontario, Canada, on October 10th, 2024. It was between 11.05pm and 11.25pm it was the peak, and a lone tree stands silhouetted against a breathtaking display of the northern lights, where vibrant waves of color—pinks, greens, and purples—sweep across the sky like a living rainbow. The aurora borealis creates an ethereal backdrop, adding a magical element to the scene, while the tree’s dark silhouette grounds the composition, symbolizing the harmony of nature in the heart of the Canadian wilderness. This image represents a unique part of the American Experience, where the natural wonders of the North meet the quiet solitude of the land, invoking a sense of awe and appreciation for the wild, untamed beauty of our continent.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Centre Wellington, Canada
Copyright: © Raghuvamsh Chavali