Wildlife

James Lowen

Surely we would have better luck with the Aurora? Dave had helpfully, albeit unintentionally, timed to the trip for both the March equinox and the new moon - two characteristics that helped with the chance and strength of the Aurora. All we needed was clear skies... All we got on the first three nights were cloudy skies. The final evening blackened quickly, and shining stars (plus a mystery planet) boded well. After three hours, however, exhaustion set in, and Dave retired to bed. Having seen a good aurora while snorkelling with Orcas, he favoured slumber over seeing another. After another hour with no show, I also retired. Until woken up by my bladder at precisely midnight. Looking out the window, I saw unusual greenness and hastened outside. For the next 10 minutes or so, the sky danced and swayed, with the orb coming right overhead for two full minutes. This was no amazing lightshow for sure, but it was neverthless a true wonder to see. And made me crave more...

BLOG 26 Mar 2015

Lapland lightshows

My primary goal in the trip was to see the Aurora borealis or Northern Lights. My secondary goal was to see both the Aurora and the 20 March solar eclipse on the same day: a surely unusual double. As it transpired, we dipped pretty badly. Just as the eclipse started, dense cloud cover and a storming blizzard set in. This was the only picture I managed - and indeed the only sight I had. Dave, as driver, dipped entirely.