Chapter 1: The Call of the Night Sky

In early May, my boyfriend and I set off for the mountains, driven by my desire to experience the tranquil pre-dawn chorus of birds in a secluded forest, far from city life. The picturesque ski resort nestled beside the woods seemed to be the ideal spot for this venture.

Although I typically shun early mornings, last year's failed birdwatching attempt motivated me to rise before dawn this time. Yet, there was a possibility of encountering something even rarer than my early start: the Northern Lights.

A local meteorologist had shared a slim chance of seeing this breathtaking phenomenon—usually visible much farther north—if we peered northward between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. and let our eyes adjust to the darkness.

At home, I had often stepped out onto my deck at midnight, hoping to catch glimpses of meteor showers, comets, or even the International Space Station, but the city's light pollution had thwarted my efforts. Thus, I found myself somewhat indifferent about venturing into the night, expecting only a view of the dark sky, especially since I planned to wake early for the birds.

To my surprise, my boyfriend asked me to wake him around 10:30 p.m. to check the sky. Given his usual bedtime of 8 p.m. and my tendency to stay up until 1 a.m., the prospect of him being awake at 11 p.m. was almost as unlikely as my early rise.

At 10 p.m., I struggled to keep my eyes open, my body yearning for sleep. Yet, I had promised to wake him, so I fought against the fatigue.

We stepped into the chilly night around 11 p.m., underestimating the cold and having left our heavy coats at home. Clad in multiple layers, we braved the 40-degree F air and trudged five minutes up the ski slope.

As we cautiously navigated the muddy grass in the darkness, headlights approached us, igniting a flicker of unease. Who else would be at this winter resort at such an hour?

A man, a woman, and their dog emerged from a truck. "Are you here to see the Northern Lights?" the man inquired. We affirmed, feeling both surprised and comforted to find others sharing our quest.

The couple and their dog made their way toward the chair lifts at the summit while we carefully walked across the grass, trying to avoid the muck. Though it had rained all day, the sky now sparkled with countless stars.

We turned to face north, gazing into the inky void, uncertain of what we might witness.

After a while, the couple drove off, and I assumed they had given up. We continued to shiver, hoping for a glimpse of the lights.

Another vehicle parked nearby, and a small group of people ventured through the grass, standing a little way to our left.

“Look at that streak!” I exclaimed, pointing to a hazy magenta arc emerging over the horizon. As we observed, the color deepened.

“I think that’s it!” my boyfriend remarked.

From the nearby group, a man shouted, “You never see this here!”

Two women approached, revealing that the lights had been dancing an hour prior. One of them shared a photo she had taken, showcasing the stunning pink and green waves in the sky.

It was delightful to share this rare late-night adventure with fellow enthusiasts, reminding us of the awe-inspiring power of nature.

I pulled out my phone to capture the moment. Though I doubted the photo would do justice, I felt compelled to document the event.

The pinkish streak eventually diminished, leaving behind a whitish haze on the horizon. It resembled clouds, yet we could see stars twinkling through it. Turning around, we noticed a completely clear sky, leading us to suspect that the mysterious haze was indeed the Northern Lights. It appeared similar to light pollution from a city, despite our distance from one.

After about 45 minutes of standing in the biting cold, we decided to return to the condo. We felt fortunate to have witnessed this extraordinary event, especially being away from the city.

The following day, we learned that many back home had also caught sight of the Northern Lights, sharing beautiful photos of the phenomenon over the city's skyline on social media. I was grateful for those of us who had ventured out to witness this rare spectacle.

Upon reviewing the photos I took with my phone, I discovered three identical, pitch-black images. I promptly deleted them, realizing I could easily capture such darkness any night.

But could I?

After seeing more posts on Facebook, I learned that adjusting exposure could enhance the visibility of the lights. I retrieved my discarded photos and experimented with the settings. To my amazement, vibrant magenta colors emerged from the darkness, like a magic trick.

Observing nature often requires patience—this experience was no exception. There were no assurances we would see anything, nor any schedule for viewing. Much like waiting for home repairs, we had to rely on a four-hour window and hope for the best. In this case, our faith was rewarded, and thankfully, we didn’t have to wait too long.

This experience also underscored the marvels of nature. In a world where AI and CGI can create stunning visuals, nothing compares to the wonder of natural phenomena.

As I adjusted my phone's settings to reveal the colorful lights, I realized how much remains hidden from our immediate perception. Despite our human ingenuity, nature continues to astonish us.

Here's a glimpse into another spectacular sight I recently experienced—a total solar eclipse:

Chapter 2: Four Surprises of the Solar Eclipse

In this chapter, I will explore the unexpected wonders that emerged as the sun disappeared from view.

The first video captures the breathtaking experience of a Viking cruise in search of the Northern Lights, offering viewers insights into the adventure and beauty of this natural phenomenon.

The second video features a vlog from Viking Cruises, showcasing the journey aboard the Viking Venus in pursuit of the Northern Lights. This personal account provides a unique perspective on the thrill of witnessing nature's grandeur.