We start with our most recent trip to Alaska to see the Aurora Borealis near Fairbanks. These photos are followed by various night sky photographs that focus on our place in the Universe. Solar and lunar eclipses likely left cultures in wonder of the end of days. In addition, we understand that ancient cultures were centered in their understanding of the world beyond. Stonehenge in England, Newgrange in Ireland, Chichen Itza in Mexico, Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, are just a few examples of sites and structures that recognize the equinox and/or solstices. We still find these events meaningful and guide people around the world with wonder and hope for better days ahead.
The Aurora Borealis the night of March 7/8 at Chena Lakes Recreational Area southeast of North Pole, Alaska. The experience was breathtaking as this was my first time seeing the northern lights on my first trip to Alaska.
Aurora Borealis at Chena Lakes Recreation Area near North Pole, Alaska
Aurora Borealis at Chena Lakes Recreation Area near North Pole, Alaska. The red was barely visible to the naked eye, but clearly shows up in the photographs
Aurora Borealis at Chena Lakes Recreation Area near North Pole, Alaska
Aurora Borealis at Chena Lakes Recreation Area near North Pole, Alaska
hHayden Peak Star Trails - Uinta Mountains, northeastern Utah
Night Sky - Capitol Reef National Park, in southern Utah at 4:18 a.m. April 6, 2022
Milky Way - Capitol Reef National Park, in southern Utah at 4:19 a.m. April 6, 2022
Uinta Mountains, Utah - Flying through the Perseid Meteor Shower, four hours in the early morning of August 13, 2021
Balanced Rock, Arches National Park - 9:15 p.m. September 15, 2020
Milky Way, Bryce Canyon National Park - 10:01 p.m. September 13, 2020
Milky Way, Bryce Canyon National Park - 9:51 p.m. September 13, 2020
Neowise Comet, Utah's West Desert - 10:21 p.m. July 20, 2020
Star Trails in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park
19 October 2022
Star Trails in Arches National Park
22 October 2022
Stonehenge was erected to align with sunrise on Summer Solstice and sunset on Winter Solstice.
Newgrange, which is about five miles west of Droghega, Ireland, is aligned with sunrise on the winter solstice shining through the "roofbox" above the entrance and lights the inner chamber. The image on the left is a general view of Newgrange, while the image on the right shows the roofbox above the entrance. A large, decorated stone lays in front of the entrance and is decorated with a series of spirals that date to neolithic builders in the Boyne Valley.
