The Aurora
Dusk in the mountains is a peaceful event. Peaceful by its very nature. Sure, storms rage, the wind blows, rains fall, snow, rocks, and mud periodically find the motivation to continue their march to lower elevations powered by the endless will of gravity. But in spite of these conditions, the mountains themselves sit unfazed, resting peacefully in their long geological lives.
Dusk on this particular evening was peaceful in every way though. The sky was perfectly clear - not a cloud in any direction. Nestled into a valley, a beautiful alpine lake reflected the clear sky above. It was so calm, the small ripples created by a lone goose on one end of the lake dissipated immediately. The water relaxed back into the perfect mirror that originally existed as if forgetting there was any disturbance in the first place.
Dusk at the lake.
A small group of cars were gathered near a boat launch that provided access to the lake. It was easy to see that the occupants of these vehicles were flush with anticipation. Several of the parties had their small camp chairs out - they sat in them as if at a drive in movie - ready to be entertained. They were completely immersed in the nature and company that surrounded them, laughing quietly at a joke someone else said. Their voices were mostly a quiet whisper. The night air absorbed the sound, and only a muffled din could be heard from afar.
A bird called out from the lake side, breaking the quiet momentarily, but the silence returned.
The people had come for a rather special event. Something that hadn’t happened in 20 years and likely wouldn’t happen again for another 20 years. Aurora Borealis - the Northern Lights. This was not just any sighting of the lights though. A solar storm of epic proportions created the perfect conditions for a level 9 magnetic storm on Earth - the highest possible value. People weren’t just gathered by this one small lake in Washington state - they were outside staring at the stars in all 50 states. Floridians, Texans, and Arizonans were gathered waiting in anticipation for the show to begin - and boy did it.
Back at the small lake, a nearly imperceptible amount of light cascaded about a hillside to the northeast. It was a modest showing. Not much color, more like a bright spot in the sky. Some light green could be seen through the lenses of nicer cameras but it wasn’t particularly spectacular… and so the waiting continued.
The start.
Waiting is such an important part of the experience. The building to the event is exactly what makes the event so incredibly special. You might think that the longer the wait, the larger the payoff needs to be, but that’s not entirely true either. You become more attentive and more open to the final event. Anything could happen… and that’s the point! You need to be willing to take in the events as they unfold.
About 2 hours after sunset, the show started to take on a new appearance. The small, dim dance low on the horizon grew. White light turned to green light, and then pink, and finally deep magenta.
Then suddenly, to the west, a brilliant shock of light burst through the sky. It was a massive arc that seemed to split the sky in two. The silence was broken by whispers of pure awe and joy.
A burst of light.
“Ohhh myyy goddd” someone whispered.
Another watcher pointed “look look look look look” they gasped.
“Unbelievable…” the voice trailed off.
The show was only just getting started. The ray of iridescent purple led skyward. Directly overhead, the heavens opened up, revealing a massive corona. It filled the entire sky and emanated gigantic rays in every direction. The star gazers had to lay on their backs and stare straight upwards to be able to take in the sight.
The corona danced and moved. Pink and magenta rays flew from the center, jumping through the sky with vigor. It was so completely amazing that many didn’t notice a new pattern forming low on the horizon.
This time, due north, green light ribbons glowed above the mountains. Their brilliance was immediately reflected off the glassy water completely surrounding the viewer from beneath and above.
The peaceful calm that started the evening was seemingly no more. In every direction, the sky and earth appeared to be alive, glowing, and in motion. Like a silent action film, with the most heart pounding stunts, coordinated by mother nature herself.
Everywhere the star gazers looked, there was something to see. The arc to the west continued to blaze. The corona overhead boiled with activity, and the curtains to the north danced to their own tune. Even to the south and east, the sky was filled with the laser show.
For nearly 30 minutes, the battle in the sky raged. A colossal collision as countless particles from the sun traveling at speeds beyond comprehension bombarded the Earth’s formidable magnetosphere, ionizing the gasses in the upper atmosphere, and releasing high energy photons that graced the eyes of those below.
The corona.
Slowly the lights dimmed as the wave of attacking particles dissipated. A few cars turned on their engines and slowly rolled out of the parking lot, prompting the hushed whisper from other onlookers “turn off your lights!”. It made no difference - the driver invariably was engaged with their driving and the words fell away to the sound of the engine.
Other vehicles were just arriving. Maybe they came from other view points? Perhaps they were planning to stay the night and catch the 3am showing? Or perhaps they simply didn’t plan very well and forgot to show up early. It will remain a mystery.
For those who had witnessed the lights, it was a truly special experience. It was the type of event that you feel inspired to write about - even if it was the experience itself that is the special part.
For those who missed it, that’s ok too. There are lots of special events that take place at their own time and place. You just have to remember to look.
Starry night sky still glowing.
