Imagine a mesmerizing arc of light traversing the darkness, resembling an ethereal pathway to the heavens. This captivating phenomenon, known as “Steve,” has left stargazers awestruck. Embark on an extraordinary journey as we explore this rare wonder discovered right here in Canada.
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Unveiling the Sky Wonders of Canada
Introducing “Steve,” the second of Canada’s Sky Wonders, a series of naturally occurring optical illusions scattered across our skies. With their elusive nature, these celestial marvels are a sight to behold. The “Steve” coin captures the essence of this enthralling phenomenon.
A Glimpse into the Extraordinary
The design effortlessly directs the focus onto the phenomenon itself while breathing life into the surrounding landscape through meticulous engravings. Hold the coin in your hand, and you’ll feel transported to the great outdoors, gazing up at the sky. Crafted with utmost artistry, this coin gleams in any light. However, revealing its true magic requires a black light, activating the special pigment technology.
Limited to just 5,000 coins worldwide, this rare treasure is minted from one ounce of 99.99% pure silver, offering a tangible piece of marvel.
Unveiling the Design
Tony Bianco’s reverse design paints a nocturnal scene in early fall. Behold the engraved lakeside campsite, embraced by the stunning aurora borealis. Neon hues delicately infuse the “Steve” phenomenon, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that springs to life when exposed to UV light. The obverse features the graceful effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, expertly crafted by Susanna Blunt.
The Captivating Backstory
Until 2016, “Steve” remained a mysterious enigma, only witnessed and photographed by avid members of the Alberta Aurora Chasers. It wasn’t until these devoted skywatchers shared their discovery with the scientific community that “Steve” gained recognition. This captivating phenomenon, related to the sub-auroral ion drift, occurs when charged particles flow through the atmosphere at incredible speeds. As scientists continue to unravel the secrets of “Steve,” we are reminded of the remarkable contributions made by amateur astronomers worldwide.
While the mesmerizing aurora borealis can grace our northern skies on clear and dark nights, “Steve” emerges only a few times a year. This luminous ribbon of gas stretches across hundreds of kilometers in an east-west direction, captivating observers for up to an hour.
Unveiling the Origin
The whimsical name “Steve” originated from a light-hearted movie reference, where a character humorously named an unknown object “Steve.” Later on, a physicist cleverly devised the backronym STEVE, representing “Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement.” Since then, this unique phenomenon has been aptly recognized by its newfound moniker.
Specifications: A True Collector’s Piece
- Year: 2019
- Quality: Proof
- Denomination: 20 Dollars
- Metal Content: One Ounce (31.56 Grams)
- Purity: .9999
- Manufacturer: Royal Canadian Mint
- Mintage: 5,000
- Diameter: 31.39 mm
- Mint Capsule, Presentation Box, Numbered Certificate Of Authenticity
Behold the “Steve” coin, an exquisite and limited edition masterpiece that encapsulates the magic of this extraordinary nighttime phenomenon. Let its radiance transport you to the great unknown – a celestial journey you won’t soon forget.