It appears as a thin arc of light running across the night sky, like a violet pathway to the heavens. The rarity of this nighttime display is enough to take one’s breath away. Your coin forever showcases the sky phenomenon known as “Steve,” a rare wonder that was discovered right here in Canada.
Highlights:
“Steve” is the second of three of Canada’s Sky Wonders, the naturally occurring optical illusions that are a rare occurrence in our skies.
The partial use of colour keeps the focus on the phenomenon, while the landscape is brought to life by fine engraving.
The design makes you feel like you are outside looking up at the sky, but the experience is sized to fit in the palm of your hand.
The artistry of your coin can be appreciated in any light, but viewing it under a black light (included) activates the special pigment technology.
Limited to 5,000 coins worldwide.
Your coin is crafted from one ounce of 99.99% pure silver.
Design:
The reverse design by Tony Bianco features a nighttime scene in early fall. Above the engraved lakeside campsite, the aurora borealis is enhanced by a touch of neon colour, which vividly brings the “Steve” phenomenon to life under UV light. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.
Backstory:
“Steve” was largely un-documented until 2016, when members of the Alberta Aurora Chasers brought it to the attention of the scientific community. The phenomenon is related to what’s known as a sub-auroral ion drift, and it happens when charged particles in the atmosphere flow at extreme speeds. Until recently, it was frequently photographed but little understood. As scientists continue to unravel the mystery of “Steve,” the story of its discovery highlights the contributions made by amateur skywatchers everywhere.
While the aurora borealis can appear in the north whenever the sky is clear and dark, “Steve” is thought to occur just a few times each year. This bright band of gas occurs separately from the aurora; it typically stretches in an east-west direction over hundreds of kilometres, and may be visible in the sky for up to an hour.
The phenomenon’s name started out as a light-hearted reference to a movie in which a character named an unknown object “Steve.” A physicist later proposed the backronym STEVE for “Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement,” which is how the phenomenon has come to be known.
Specifications:
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
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