The Aurora Borealis!
It's hard to talk about the world of the Snow Dog without covering the Aurora Borealis.
Also known as the Northern Lights, this breathtaking natural phenomenon illuminates the night sky with vibrant colors and patterns. There is a southern version called Aurora Australis. I have more info on that in my next blog post.
What causes the Aurora Borealis? The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere. The solar winds collide with atoms and molecules, exciting them and causing them to emit light.
When and where can you see the Aurora Borealis? - Best viewing times: Late August to early April, around midnight to 3 am - Optimal locations: Near the Arctic Circle (Northern latitudes) - Popular viewing spots: - Alaska (Fairbanks, Anchorage) - Canada (Yellowknife, Whitehorse) - Norway (Tromsø, Senja Island) - Sweden (Abisko National Park) - Finland (Lapland) - Iceland
Types of Aurora:
- Diffuse Aurora: Soft, uniform glow
- Discrete Aurora: Bright, defined arcs and bands
- Proton Aurora: Rare, reddish-purple display
Colors:
- Green: Most common, produced by excited oxygen atoms
- Red: Oxygen atoms at higher altitudes
- Blue: Nitrogen molecules
- Purple: Combination of red and blue light
Aurora seasons:
- Peak season: December to March (winter)
- Shoulder season: August to November and March to April (spring and fall)
- Low season: May to July (summer)
Aurora forecasts and alerts:
- National Weather Service (NWS) Space Weather Prediction Center
- University of Alaska Fairbanks' Aurora Forecast
- Aurora Service Europe
Interesting facts:
- The Aurora Borealis is named after the Roman goddess of dawn (Aurora) and the Greek word for north wind (Boreas).
- The Aurora Borealis has inspired art, mythology, and cultural traditions.
Tips for viewing:
- Find dark skies, away from city light pollution
- Dress warmly, as viewing often requires standing outside
- Bring binoculars or a camera to capture the moment
- Be patient, as clear views can take time
Documentary Video - "Fire In The Sky"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vbwx8R_k27U
How to Photograph The Aurora -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SATseffcxo8
Cameo Anderson is a fine artist specializing in northern breed portraits that feature the sprawling tundra/northern lights. She has been painting these portraits professionally for over 20 years. Her clients include rescues like - Husky Halfway House & Alley's Rescued Angels - Professional racing teams like Team Ineka & Team Tsuga Siberians - & over 1,000 private collectors.