The Northern Lights

I do not like the term, "bucket list". I feel like it is not only cliche, but a phrase people use when they do something they think it cool. Working in the tourist industry in Alaska, you hear from a lot of different people, "Coming to Alaska has been on my bucket list". It is always neat to meet people from everywhere and hear about their experiences while being here, but do they really experience Alaska?

You can get on a cruise ship and see glaciers, bears, whales, bald eagles, and everything in between. You can pay a ton of money to go see sled dogs or ride a train. There are so many things that can be done. However, I think living here tops it all. This last week the Northern Lights have been dancing across Southeast Alaska's night skies. If there is anything everyone should see once in their lives it is the Northern Lights!

For some history and science behind the Northern lights: The Northern Lights is also known as the Aurora Borealis, which was named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind is Boreas. The aurora is a natural light display in the sky that can be seen in high latitude regions. Aurora are caused by cosmic rays, solar wind, and magnetosphere plasma that is interacting with the upper atmosphere. These charged particles made up of mainly electrons and protons, enter the atmosphere from above causing ionization and excitation of atmospheric constituents, and light emissions.

Last season I saw the lights a few times, but this past week it has been amazing! Last week around 1 am, Jory and I were still up and Rocky called us to tell us that the Northern Lights were out. We went outside and they were so distinguished. It was like someone was using a paint brush right before our eyes; painting the sky with greens. A few days later, Jory knocked on the door of the room Myla and I share to tell us the lights were out. Of course we jumped out of bed. They were dim but still really neat. But two nights ago topped it all! Around midnight we went out and it was just as bright as the first time, then Kyle (our newest roommate) suggested we drive out towards Dyea to see the lights. We all ran inside got proper clothes off and started driving. The lights were dancing and we were racing to see them. We did not make it all the way to Dyea, but we stopped on a side of the road and got out of the car. It was so clear and dancing off the mountains. We all laid on the ground and watched the light show. I cannot even put into words what we saw. The ground was cold, but my spirit was glowing. Not only did we see greens but there were some pinks! The lights were constantly bending and dancing around. I have never been to a light show, well I have been to Stone Mountain in Georgia's laser light show, but this was the ultimate light show!! We laid there for what seemed like forever, but it was an experience I will forever remember and cherish. So if you havent seen the lights, come up and see them!

Just so you can experience the lights from the comfort of your own home, this was taken with a cell phone by one of my friends up here named Joe, I took this off his Facebook, so I hope he doesn't mind, (: