See the Northern Lights From Our Alaska Club! #Nipclub Thursday, February 27, 2025

Please drop any $ you can into the Tip Jar to help pets at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Every penny helps! Thanks!

We're off to Alaska this week so we can view the Northern Lights!

So, what ARE the Northern Lights?

This is a simple answer from the Library of Congress:

The northern lights, one of several astronomical phenomena called polar lights (aurora polaris), are shafts or curtains of colored light visible on occasion in the night sky. Polar lights (aurora polaris) are a natural phenomenon found in both the northern and southern hemispheres that can be truly awe inspiring. Northern lights are also called by their scientific name, aurora borealis, and southern lights are called aurora australis.

Can I see them anywhere?

Yes, although they are more frequent at higher latitudes and places like Alaska, Canada, and Antarctica, closer to the Earth’s poles. Occasionally, they have been seen closer to the equator, and even as far south as Mexico. To view them, look in the direction of the closest pole (the northern horizon in the northern hemisphere, the southern horizon in the southern hemisphere).

Can I see them at any time of the year?

Yes. In some areas, such as Alaska or Greenland, they may be visible most nights of the year. And they occur at any time of the day, but we can’t see them with the naked eye unless it’s dark.

What causes the colors and patterns?

Colors and patterns are from the types of ions or atoms being energized as they collide with the atmosphere and are affected by lines of magnetic force. Displays may take many forms, including rippling curtains, pulsating globs, traveling pulses, or steady glows. Altitude affects the colors. Blue violet/reds occur below 60 miles (100 km), with bright green strongest between 60-150 miles (100-240 km). Above 150 miles (240 km) ruby reds appear.

Okay, enough of the science lesson. Let's see some pictures!

Oh, look! There's a hot tub, just waiting for us!

It looks like Pearl is already here!

Drinks and Noms

Alaska Craft Beers

Alaska Oyster Stout

Alaskan Mule

Aurora Meowgarita

Caribou Cocktail

Duck Fart Shots

Alaska Cocktail

Hot Coffee

Steamed Clams with Garlic Butter

Fish and Chips

Smoked Salmon Dip with Veggies

Alaska King Crab

Salmon with Wild Blueberry Preserves

Wild Berry Cobbler

Fruit and Chocolate Crepes

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Please drop any $ you can into the Tip Jar to help the pets at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Every penny helps! Thanks!

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