Northern Lights Above Minneapolis - William Drew

You’ve likely seen a flood of photos showcasing the incredible Aurora Borealis displays that painted the night sky on Friday, May 10th, 2024. Well, prepare to be dazzled by another perspective! 

My Friday night was a whirlwind. My brothers and I were due for a side-splitting night at the Whose Line Is It Anyway live show at the Pantages Theater. Basketball fever had gripped the city, with the Timberwolves playing a playoff game that same night. While I wasn't lucky enough to snag tickets, catching the game at home was high on my agenda. 

Oh, and there were also the Northern Lights. 

A Surreal Spectacle in the Heart of the City 

We all enjoyed the hilarious antics at the comedy show. Afterward, our paths diverged. My brothers headed off, while I opted to stay downtown and embark on a mission to chase the elusive Aurora Borealis. 

My first stop was the iconic Franklin Avenue Bridge, a bustling artery connecting Minneapolis’ downtown core with 35W. While a location a bit further south might have offered a clearer view of the night sky, I was captivated by the vibrant tapestry of city lights dancing below the bridge. It was an unforgettable scene – the celestial ballet of the Aurora Borealis unfolding majestically right above the urban energy. 

As you can see in the captivating image titled "Northern Lights Above Minneapolis," the camera captured a mesmerizing display. The emerald green ribbons of the aurora danced playfully across the canvas, while a subtle wash of purple light bathed the city skyline. It felt like a magical tribute to Prince, the iconic musician forever intertwined with Minneapolis. 

The Night is Young: The Hunt Continues 

After capturing this awe-inspiring scene from the bridge, I ventured north to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. My vision was to photograph the aurora borealis illuminating the beloved Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture. Unfortunately, the area was locked up tight for a weekend art festival. 

This minor setback wasn't about to deter me. My quest to capture the aurora's magic continued, and I ventured north for further adventures. Stay tuned for the next chapter in my Northern Lights chase!