Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights - named for the Roman goddess of the dawn.
Early last Sunday a solar flare erupted from our closest star launching a flood of charged particles towards the earth.
About a decade ago I was entertained by a display of the northern lights when I ventured out before sun-up to bow hunt. Climbing into my stand in the pitch dark and settling-in I was stunned by what appeared to be a vast orange and blue (like the flame on a gas range) rippling across the morning sky.
As the sun rose it disappeared.
I just stepped-in having ventured-out and stood by the hot tub.
It is both clear and very dark. No light pollution.
Focusing on Polaris I then scanned the heavens to the west and to the east.
There was a ripple of green to the east. Not much - but the northern lights for sure.
I’m going to keep checking before I turn-in for the evening and perhaps set the alarm for an hour before 0-dark thirty.
It would be good to enjoy a steaming cup of joe and watch the light show and the sunrise.
Forecast is for clear skies.
So, I'm curious, did you see any "lights?"
ReplyDeleteI was considering driving due north in order to try and catch some of the light show, but a fellow photographer friend said I shouldn't just head out on a whim, especially a couple hundred miles. He said that when they're really strong, I should be able to see them even way down here.
I've seen better displays - but they were there.
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing for viewing is a clear and dark sky.