Aurorae Borealis

The Northern Lights and Kristian Birkeland The northern lights have inspired awe and reverence in people all throughout the northern latitudes. At their most impressive, they form an immense halo of pulsating light around the pole, stretching hundreds of kilometers out into space. People in the 18th century were unsure what to make of these mysterious lights. The Lapps saw the lights as messengers of God which might strike down anyone foolish enough to provoke …

…Girardeau. I saw arcs of light descending from the sky and illuminating the ground in small areas. I thought I was seeing a spotlight from a helicopter or something. I knew it was unusual but if I had known what I was viewing I would have given more serious effort at observing the sky. I hope I get to view the northern lights many more times in my lifetime. It is truly a spectacular display.