How many of you have experienced the amazing phenomenon of the Northern Lights here in North Dakota? I have only heard about it, and that goes the same probably for many people as well.

What are the Northern Lights and just how frequent does it actually occur?

 loc.gov describes it as such "The northern lights, one of several astronomical phenomena called polar lights (aurora polaris), are shafts or curtains of colored light visible on occasion in the night sky. Polar lights (aurora polaris) are a natural phenomenon found in both the northern and southern hemispheres that can be truly awe-inspiring"

 ndtourism has put out a complete North Dakota Northern Lights Guide. This breaks it down into several easy steps on how you can be prepared, for instance

  • The northern lights can appear year-round in North Dakota. However, if go out into the countryside in winter, be sure to pack an emergency winter kit in your car.

Now according to an article by NPR Scientists finally know for sure what causes the Northern Lights. NPR cited an article put out this week from the journal Nature Communications  "suggests that the natural light show starts when disturbances on the sun pull on Earth's magnetic field"

So to me, it seems easy enough to " be in the right place at the right time" and PLAN on viewing the spectacular Northern Lights, maybe make it a family event - However, I would recommend NOT taking the easy way out by sprawling out on the couch and watching it on YouTube.


 

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