Northern Lite

           I have always wanted to see the Northern Lights. I’ve been to Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, even traveled above the Arctic Circle. I’ve taken an Alaskan cruise. But do you think I’ve ever even glimpsed this marvel?

          No way.  Not only that, but I’m suddenly seeing posts by people in nearly every state in the Union—including California, where I live—but not once have I been able to catch a peek at this glorious display.

          I got poor St. Bob up at one in the morning one time, and made him drive all over Placer County, after hearing there would be a sighting.

          This is like searching for Big Foot, or the Loch Ness Monster, you know. I’m beginning to wonder if everyone is sharing AI pictures, and then snickering.

          There are several other space phenomena I’ve been hoping to spot-- A sun halo:

          A moonbow:

          Shooting stars (not the occasional one, but ones like this):

          And here I am, someone who is actually interested in astronomy! You’d think all these magnets and Alfvén waves and electrons would get their act together and offer a show for all of us. I’d even settle for a not-very-super nova.

          One time I took my eldest son to the Griffith Park Observatory to see Halley’s Comet, which circles around every 75 years or so. He was only two, though, and bumped the telescope, thus eliciting groans from everyone else in line while the scientists aligned it again. But at least he will live long enough to say he saw it twice, which was the whole point.

          But lucky you—without leaving your chair you can watch my Youtube Mom channel and marvel at all the life hacks on there! (And be sure to subscribe-- I'm going for 10K subscribers!)