Northern Lights

While I have seen the aurora borealis, or northern lights, I do not have the photographic expertise to take these pictures. Some are taken over a period of a few minutes, but since they are so beautiful, I want to share.

The northern lights are often green.

They can appear as curtains of light,

or arcs,

While seen far north in the arctic circle near the north magnetic pole, if there is a strong geomagnetic storm, they can sometimes be seen here in Pennsylvania.

Our family went to Cherry Springs State Park in north central Pennsylvania. The park is dedicated to stargazing. It's primitive and in the middle of nowhere, so there is no light pollution. If you go there during a new moon, there are astronomers from all over the northeast. One of the astronomers pointed out the aurora borealis to me. Dumb me I did not recognize it because it was white.

Cherry Springs State Park is a wonderful place to take your family to view the night sky. You do not even need a telescope. The milky way, International Space Station, iridium flares, satellites and meteors can be seen with the naked eye. Or just walk up to one of the astronomers and introduce yourself. They love to show share their love of the sky and let you look through their big Dobsonian telescopes. Be quick, they say, the earth is rotating.

Check out A Southern Daydreamer where Susan is hosting Outdoor Wednesday, to see what others outdoor pictures are being shared. Thanks Susan.