First Lights

Tonight, I got a call at 10:38PM - "The Northern Lights are out!"  I packed up the camera gear, Mom got bundled up, and off we went to the shoreline of the Gastineau Channel... to feast our eyes on the majestic Northern Lights dancing above downtown Juneau. 

This is my Momma's third visit to Alaska, and since she only visits in the summer, I know the chances of her seeing the aurora borealis is rare. (Land of the Midnight Sun and all...) For my Mom's first time seeing the lights, the aurora did not disappoint. In fact, she put on quite the show for us!  It was such a blessing to have shared this moment together. 

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Unexpected Lightness

The South has thunderstorm predictions.  Arizona has heat wave warnings.  Seattle has flood advisories.  As for the Last Frontier?  Well, we have our forecasts for Northern Lights.

When auroral activity is projected across most the state, Juneau typically sighs a collective groan.  Our skies are usually too overcast or rainy to view the Northern Lights.  So imagine my surprise post-midnight on November 15 when I just happened to look up to the heavens and - lo and behold - wisps of green light high above Mount Roberts.

My favorite viewing spot is on Douglas Island, between the North Douglas Boat Launch and False Outer Point.  The photos below were taken from the roadside looking across the Gastineau Channel toward the Juneau International Airport and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier.

The Northern Lights have a soft spot in my heart.  I launched this website in 2012 with my first blog about the awe-inspiring aurora.  Two years later, the dancing night sky still doesn't cease to amaze me.

Starry Skies and Wild Lights

Last night was one of those epic nights.   Rare clear skies in Juneau offered amazing views of a glorious display of the aurora borealis.  Juneauites on Facebook were all abuzz that it was one of the best displays ever seen in Juneau - and I'd have to agree.

Below are a few of my photos taken from the North Douglas Boat Launch - my go-to spot when aurora hunting.  My photos don't quite capture the beauty and movement of the aurora.  So please check out Daniel Buckscott's blog, Amazing Aurora, where he posted some of THE BEST aurora photos I've ever seen - and they were shot right here in Juneau's backyard! 

Daniel is the owner of Wilderness Peaks Fine Art Nature Photography based right here in Juneau.  His images will leave you in shock - and wanting more.  Check out his work!