Sky phenomenon named ‘STEVE’ showing up more; caught on camera in Canada - MLive.com

Originally STEVE was thought to be a form of northern lights.

It has been learned that STEVE is actually not part of the northern lights, and is a sky light show all on its own.

Of this photo, Alan Dyer writes, "A portrait of the infamous STEVE arc of hot flowing gas associated with an active aurora, here showing his distinctive pink colour and the fleeting appearance of the green picket fence fingers that often show up hanging down from the main arc.

STEVE = Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement, and is a river of hot gas flowing east to west equatorward of the main aurora band.

Of this photo, Alan Dyer writes, "A portrait of the infamous STEVE arc of hot flowing gas associated with an active aurora, here showing his distinctive pink colour and the fleeting appearance of the green picket fence fingers that often show up hanging down from the main arc.

STEVE = Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement, and is a river of hot gas flowing east to west equatorward of the main aurora band.

Dyer says he usually sees STEVE not at the end of a northern lights show, but as the activity subsides after a sub-storm.

Dyer, even though he hails from the more northern latitude of Alberta, says the Upper Peninsula is “prime aurora country.”.

Mike Murray says he’s seen STEVE twice at Port Crescent State Park near Port Austin.

He says don’t pack your stuff up and go home after a northern lights show.

STEVE may show up 30 to 45 minutes after the northern lights stop.