January 31, 2011

THE AURORA BOREALIS

Right now, the aurora borealis (the northern lights) is entering the most lively phase of its 11-year cycle, meaning the next three years are a great time to view! See above pic, as viewed in Finland; below in Alaska: and Canada:
Why are the northern lights more spectacular in some years than others?

Because the eruptions are loosely tied to the solar activity cycle which lasts about 11 years. The largest terrestrial effects seem to happen when activity is at its maximum and in the years following maximums (maxima?!). However, large disturbances can happen at any part of the cycle. The sun is now coming out of a stage of minimum activity and eruptions are starting to increase. It’s thought the next maximum could be in the next three years.

Have you witnessed the northern lights –or any other natural phenomena?

Happy Ruby Tuesday and Rednesday!
And do visit other Ruby Tuesday & Rednesday posts! (Links at Work of The Poet & Sue loves Cherries.)
Enjoy!
XOXO LOLA:)
PS Have a good week and see you again for Alphabe-Thursday!

28 comments:

Pondside said...

When we lived in northern Alberta we enjoyed the Northern Lights. The sky is so dark up there that one gets the full effect - there's nothing like standing in a field as the whole sky erupts in dancing colour!

Michelle said...

They're on my to-do list! :-)

Unknown said...

No, I haven't seen it, but I'd love what a wonderful phenomena to see one day!
*kisses* HH

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

OMG these images are "Incredible"... Yes we HAVE had the northern lights visable here in Connecticut a few times and I've witnessed them..."GORGEOUS"... thank you SO MUCH for this beautiful post.
Hugs,
Donna

reg said...

we are so blessed here in Canada as well to see these amazing light shows. I am always in awe of them. We do not get them often here in the Niagara Region but when I lived in Northern Alberta like Pondside they were incredible to see.

Jan said...

Great pics of a great sight! :D

Kramer said...

I remember the smudge of comet through the Northern Lights.

tania said...

Fabulous images - love to see them too.

Holly said...

Nature's fantastic lightshow!

Mike said...

Oh to live in Canada, Alaska or Northern Scandinavia to be sure of witnessing this first hand on a regular basis!

Liz said...

Fantastic photos! I wish I could see this awesome phenomenons personally.

Yummy-as-can-be

jordiegirl said...

Hi there Lola

No I haven't seen the Northern Lights but I was lucky to catch a TV programme with the actress Joanna Lumley on where she waited and waited and waited to see them and had to return again to see them. Even on TV they looked amazing.

Ralph said...

The abstract and artistic sky is gorgeous - in any locale! Stunning natural rubies of many shades. Alas, in our location we have not seen these, and there is a bit of light pollution...Wonderful scenes!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

wow! I have never seen this before. May be not in the southern hemisphere.

Maude Lynn said...

I would love to see the Northern Lights!

LV said...

I have often heard of these lights, but never come to close to seeing anything like it.

msdewberry said...

We lived in Northern Saskatchewan for over 10 years and witnessed Northern Lights there a lot. Since moving to the coast I have only seen them a few times and I really miss them. They are gorgeous!

bichonpawz said...

Oh My Lola!!! These are just beautiful pictures! We have not seen them...but sure would like to!!

Marites said...

oh wow..quite impressive photos! i wish i can see them for real. happy RT! My RT is here.

Dianne said...

how amazing it would be to see in person
thanks for sharing all these wonderful photos

RNSANE said...

That is definitely a celestial display worth seeing. We just can't beat Mother Nature, can we?

Carol said...

Oh how I would love to be able to see this in person!!! Thank you for sharing such lovely photos!!

Sarah said...

Wow, these are amazing photos. I've never seen the Northern Lights. What a sight!

★Carol★ said...

No, I've never seen the Northern Lights, but I sure would love to one day! It must be a spectacular sight!
Happy REDnesday!
Carol

Unknown said...

What a heavenly show! Wish I could see in person. Love the last 'excerize' post.

Anonymous said...

These are awesome pics! I saw a slight showing when I lived in Michigan. No color- just white swirling lights. I thought that was pretty cool, though! ♥

Splendid Little Stars said...

gorgeous! I would SO love to see these in person!

SueLovesCherries said...

I've never had the chance to see Northern Lights; hopefully, someday!

I enjoyed your Yoga Bear post! (Never did like Hanoi Jane!)