Northern Lights aren't really that common this far south in Alaska. People in Fairbanks see them all the time, but it's pretty rare to catch a glimpse of them here in Wasilla. I only saw them once last winter and it was in March. Plus, the sky has to be clear and it has to be bitterly cold outside. Tonight was perfect. I postponed my run until about 11 p.m. Late, I know, but I was really, really, really hoping to run when they were on display, and they usually don't appear until late at night, or really early in the morning. It's 2:30 a.m. right now and they are still on full display!!
They. Are. Gorgeous.
They literally look like they're dancing. Swaying, ever so slightly, disappearing, then reappearing. Becoming brighter, then dull, then bright again. The movement is what's so amazing about them, not just the bright green color.
I turned off my headlamp tonight during my run, and just couldn't keep my eyes off the sky. Not only were the Lights breathtaking, but the stars were out in full force, too. There is nothing like seeing the sparkling Big Dipper shine behind the waving Northern Lights.
Hands down, this was the best 4 mile run I've ever done in Alaska. Was it cold? Hell yes, it was cold (-5). But you don't just sit around inside cuddled in a blanket when the Northern Lights are out. You layer up, and then get yourself out there. And run.
First thing I'm going to miss about Alaska when I leave: Northern Lights. How often does anybody get to see the lights, let alone go for a run during them?!
Today was a good day to live in Alaska. :)
A brief explanation as to what causes the aurora borealis: The scientific explanation for the lights may be less poetic, though still fascinating. Auroras are born of the sun, when large explosions and flares throw great quantities of particles into space, carried outward by the solar wind. The aurora is an electro-static phenomenon that occurs during when these charged protons and electrons in the magnetosphere collide with atoms and gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. When the particles meet the Earth’s magnetic shield, they are pulled into two great ovals around the Earth’s magnetic poles. As they interact with the upper layers of the atmosphere, approximately 60-150 miles above our heads, the energy that is then released appears as a luminous, moving glow, typically visible in the night sky in the polar zones at particular times of the year.
For a more accurate display of what I saw last night, click here: Anchorage Daily News pics
They are pictures submitted by people in anchorage and wasilla.
Minus FIVE!!!!! Maybe looking from inside the house after a treadmill run........ HA, well you can cross that off your bucket list.
ReplyDeleteThat is gorgeous!!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing this with us!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing the northern lights once when I was about 16. I got in trouble for staying out too late but it was completely worth it!
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible experience! So incredibly lucky!
ReplyDeleteI feel super lame now. I have only run outside twice in the last three weeks. I'm going to blame the humidity. (Is Alaska humid?) You are the toughest runner I know. Hands down.
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