After yet another windstorm, the skies finally cleared at the end of the first week of August. They not only cleared, but super-cleared, right down to the horizon. You know when you've got good visibility when you can make out all three stars in Orion's belt.

It was with this clearing when we could make out the first signs of morning light after four months without it. These were exciting times! Well, exciting and sobering as well, with the knowledge of a huge array of station-opening tasks awaiting us.

This photo resulted from an 8-second exposure with a digital camera, and significant post-processing to bring out the subtle hints of a glow on the horizon. Even to the naked eye, the light was difficult to discern without spending some time outside to become strongly dark-adapted.