Aurora Borealis

Guest

I was just wandering if you guys have seen the Aurora Borealis.

I'm a friend of Edith and would like to wish her and all of you good luck in such a great adventure. Edith, I hope you are doing fine and enjoy walking around with a gun over there, because I'll be scared if you carry one around in El Paso. I'm looking forward to see you when you come back.

Have fun!

Ramiro

Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 64

Ramiro,

Although the Aurora Borealis can be quite beautiful from here during the period of Polar Night during the winter, or so we are told, it is impossible to see such a phenomenon during the period of Midnight Sun which we are currently experiencing. The sun has been up since the day we arrived, never dropping below the horizon for even a moment. No darkness, so no Aurora Borealis to view! On August 22 the sun is supposed to dip below the horizon momentarily, signaling the changes that will eventually plunge the area into a few months of constant darkness.

I have to share a rather funny little story that proves that even living under these conditions, we sometimes forget! A group of us were sitting around talking about what we might be doing if we were home. It was evening, and though the sun was shining brightly outside, we were tired and ready for bed. Someone mentioned that around the 12-15 of August he Perseid Meteor Showers would be at their peak. We all got excited momentarily, thinking how cool that would be to witness from the top of the world with no city lights or smog to interfere. Then we all started laughing at once, as people who totally worn out and giddy with exhaustion sometimes do. It occurred to us that though there would be no light or smog from the city, there would also be no dark sky in which to view the Perseids! You certainly can't see them in the bright sunlight we have at midnight!

I will pass your message on to Edith. Thanks for writing to us!