Journal Entry

Northern Lights

I have been to Alaska before, but that was in the summer. I went backpacking In Wrangle St. Elias National Park. Before I went I was very excited thinking, "I am going to be outside in a very remote area, surely I will be able to see the northern lights." Of course, I was thinking that until I realized it is summer and it will be light outside all of the time. Seeing the lights will be impossible. But I have been granted a second chance.

Since I am in Alaska in the winter and it is dark most of the time I am hoping to see the northern lights once again. The northern lights, or Aurora Borealis as it is also know, is a phenomenon that is displayed in the sky in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The night sky becomes a natural light show. While I am not familiar with the deep science involved I do know that this amazing show is caused by charged particles reacting with the high altitude atmosphere. It has become my goal while I am here to get some good photos of the northern lights. If that happens I will post them on my journal so that you can enjoy this light show as well.

While you are waiting here are some shots I took around the conference center in Fairbanks.

Icicles in Fairbanks  Icicles outside the conference room at the Fairbanks, AK Westmark hotel. Snow in FairbanksLots of snow outside the conference room at the Fairbanks, AK Westmark hotel.

Comments

Carol Scott

Hello Emily, welcome to Fairbanks! I hope you do get to see the aurora while you are here!
Your project sounds really interesting, and highly applicable around the globe. It will be fun to follow your adventures and hear what you learn.

Emily Dodson

No luck yet, but I still have one more night (fingers crossed).

Guest

You actuallу make it seem гeally easy with үour presentation howevеr I find this topic to be aсtually ѕomething ѡhich I feel I'd neѵеr understand.Ӏt sort of feels too complicated ɑnd vеry broad for me.
ӏ'm lookiոg ahead tο yօur nеxt submit, I'll attempt tо gеt the grasp οf it!

Emily Dodson

I am glad there is someone close by since I don't think anyone from KY has ever been a PolarTrec teacher. 

Emily Dodson

I also think this project is very applicable.  I am looking forward to all the outreach opportunities that it will allow. 

Alex Eilers

Hi Emily!

Glad to see another PolarTREC neighbor! I am from TN. If you ever get to the Memphis area stop by and say hello! Enjoy orientation!

Alex Eilers
PolarTREC Teacher - 2012 and 2014

Michelle Brown

I loved your journal! I hope we both get to see some Northern Lights!