ASTRONOMY UPDATE: Greetings from the Arctic North
Dennis Mammana
Our Arctic journey now nears its end. We saw much of the beautiful coastline of Norway and met some wonderful folks along the way. And, while winter hasn’t yet set in here, the temperatures leave no doubt that it’s on its way. The purpose of our voyage, of course—to search for the mystical northern lights—was hugely successful. Three out of four nights were clear and the lights danced magically for us among the glistening stars.
On November 11 we crossed the Arctic Circle as we flew from Oslo to Kirkenes; then our ship—the ms Midnatsol—sailed around the northern coast of Norway, reaching a latitude of 71+ degrees N. From there, those of us from middle latitudes found it odd to watch darkness fall shortly after lunch, and to see Polaris, the North Star, standing nearly overhead. Ahhh, but having those lights dance for us after dark made it all worth the effort. No words can ever describe their fluid movement or their mystical draw. See just one display and you’ll understand completely why many of our northern ancestors believed they were spirits dancing across the heavens.
Now our journey nears an end, and we all head for home on Tuesday. In the meantime I've attached an e-postcard showing some of our most remarkable arctic sights. To see a couple of other aurora shots, visit: http://spaceweather.com/submissions/large_image_popup.php?image_name=Dennis-Mammana-Aurora-4682-Mammana_1258272114.jpg
What I’ll miss most, of course, are the lights. For me it’s always sad to say goodbye to them. After ten years of viewing and photographing nature’s greatest light show, I can say without question it’s a sight one never tires of. Over the years they’ve become such a welcome companion in the dark polar nights, and I know I’ll return to enjoy them as often as I can. If nothing else, they sure are addicting!
I hope you'll be able to join me on future trips to enjoy other wonders of nature. Next up is January’s exciting safari in Kenya, where we’ll share an annular (ring) solar eclipse with the amazing Maasai people of the region. Then, next July, it’s off to the Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific to experience a spectacular total solar eclipse while sipping a cool Mai Tai in this lush tropical paradise. Now that’s astronomy!
For more information on joining me on these or other upcoming cosmic adventures, please visit: http://www.dennismammana.com/tours/upcoming.htm
Dennis
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DENNIS MAMMANA
www.DennisMammana.com
www.twanight.org
