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OP-PH-09  << previous picture back to the gallery next picture >> 
flame pillar
Rare image of a flame reflection and an aurora display captured in one shot. The photo was taken at around 10:30 pm on October 30, 2003. The distance between the light source (a gas flame at the petrochemical works in Antwerp) and the location of the photographer (a small community called Oppem-Meise halfway between Antwerp and Brussels) was measured to be 36.2 km (22.5 miles). The altitude of the reflective cloud-layer was found to be 4.2 km (13,780 feet). Because the sighting location is 73.5 meter (241 feet) above sea level, and the standpipe from which the flame emanated is 204 m high (669 feet), the flame itself is also visible in the picture.

Camera used: Mamiya MSX 500. Lens: tamrot 28 mm. Film: Fuji 400 ISO slide film. Aperture: f/2.8. See also our next picture.

[© Jeroen DE VLEESSCHAUWER - photo used with permission]