Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Elusive Aurora (Borealis)



About 10pm, Tuesday night, in spite of frigid temperatures, news of a stronger-than-average solar burst enticed me out of doors in search of the elusive Aurora. I say "elusive" because in the past few years I've noticed a trend toward fewer Aurora sightings and, even when spotted, the color (usually just green) has been less vibrant, even milky.

I also say "elusive" because in the ten years I've lived in this village, I've never been able to capture the Northern Lights photographically. And even these meager shots in the dark (literally) were taken without a tripod, so they're nothing to brag about from a technical standpoint.

Still, I feel like one of those Sasquatch hunters who has finally snagged a clear, indisputable photo of his quarry! I caught the Aurora in my own back yard! How terrific is that?

Was it worth kneeling in the snow?

...in the dark?

...@ 47 below?

...while brushing frost off my eyelashes and nose?

Completely!

And a fun little factoid about wearing snow pants and a heavy parka is that no one can see the pajamas underneath! :)



So if you're interested in the Aurora Borealis, here are some extremely informative sites that delve deeper into both the scientific and photographic aspects of the subject. I found graphs that illustrate and explain the dearth of aurora sightings I've noticed over the last few years. How validating! :)

Aurora Hunter

Aurora Forecast-Geophysical Institute

The Aurora Page

Hunting The Great Alaskan Aurora

And if you want to see spectacular photographs and an awesome video of Tuesday night's aurora activity in Canada and the UK...check this out! (scroll all the way to the bottom for the video)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2091117/The-midnight-phoenix-rises-Biggest-solar-storms-seven-years-create-spectacular-northern-lights.html

7 comments:

Novice Naturalist said...

Lovely!! I know it was worth the trek outside in that cold. I've done it, but your pics are better than any of mine. Thanks for posting (and for going out there.)

Anonymous said...

Wow, I am impressed, great pics and you went out in those temps. Love the pj comment. :-) tammy

Anonymous said...

I just randomly came across this blog while doing some random Google Map searching and coming across your lovely little town.

I think it's incredible to live in such a remote, beautiful and harsh place. Your blog is excellent and the pictures of both nature and the fellow Atqasuk citizens are great! Keep up the good work!

Kimberlee said...

Jay...
Thank you for checking in! So have you left the Slope for good or is a return in the cards?


Tammy...
Thanks! I love being able to hide pjs out in public. Fun little secret. :)


FC...
Hey, there! Thanks for saying hello!


Anonymous...
I'm glad you stumbled upon "The Buggy Side." Thanks for the encouragement! I hope you'll visit again.

lesle said...

Hi, Kimberlee, there's a new comment on Reel Meaning.

Mrs. Nancy G said...

Awesome photography! It's not easy to photograph auroras. Thank you for sharing. I miss the North Slope and I've found your blog a sweet reminder of home.

Smiles,
~Nancy

kristina said...

Where are you Kimberleeee?