8/14/12 NORTH POLE, AK

I found out about an aurora (northern lights) notification system and signed up to get a text when the lights are out.  Two nights ago while camped in Denali around 1:30 a.m. I got a text saying the aurora was being seen over Fairbanks.  I went outside and did not see them right away, but soon I began seeing them to the north towards Fairbanks.  Although faint in the sky they looked like green clouds.  I woke Norm to come see.  We stood outside for some time watching.  It was pretty cool, I couldn’t wait to get to Fairbanks in hopes of seeing them better/brighter.  The next day (yesterday) we hitched up after being in Denali 11 days and headed to Fairbanks.  We are staying at River View RV Park in North Pole which is 10 miles outside of Fairbanks.  I chose this park because it is out of town, away from the light pollution of Fairbanks.  It has proven to be a perfect spot for aurora viewing.  Last night I got up at 12:15 to check on the lights.  None at that time.  At 1:15 I got a text saying they were being seen in Fairbanks but none at North Pole.  I went outside and watched for 20 minutes or so and they began to appear.  I woke Norm to come see.  As soon as he came out the lights got brighter and bigger.  It was AMAZING!  Large wide bands of beautiful vibrant green across the starry sky.  Sometimes large bands, then looking more like clouds or green smoke.  This went on for probably an hour.  It was a beautiful night, no wind, very still, a bit cold but tolerable.  After awhile they subsided for a half hour or so then reappeared for a short time.  Norm went to bed about 2:30.  I stayed up til 3:30 or so.  We took pictures of the lights but they turned out blurry.  I did some computer research for taking pictures of the aurora borealis and adjusted my camera then took pictures of the crescent moon (the lights were not out).  After some practice pictures and setting up the tripod I think I’ll be able to take some pretty good pictures if we see the lights again.  I’ll be ready.  The aurora forecast is looking pretty good again tonight, providing it doesn’t cloud up.  I’m so excited about seeing those lights! 

I hope to get a better picture of the aurora borealis.