Oh, Look! The Northern Lights – Not Just for Scandanavians Anymore!
So there we have it, the northern lights gracing the skies of the Netherlands! Who knew that the dance of light in the sky could be witnessed without the frozen tundra of Norway? I always thought the northern lights were a fancy way for the Scandinavians to show off. Yet here we are, folks, catching glimpses of cosmic dancers in Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, Overijssel, and Gelderland! I imagine it’s quite the shift for local chaps, who are used to “Dutch delights” as their main spectacle—like dodging cyclists or gorging on stroopwafels!
But hold your horses there, dear readers; if you’re in the western bits of the Netherlands, do remember: clouds exist! Yes, surprise, surprise! It’s like trying to order a steak at a vegan restaurant. Don’t expect a clear view of the lights when Mother Nature decides to wear her cloudy hat. You might spot a flickering glow, but I promise you, it’s not your neighbor’s new disco party. Unless, of course, you live next to a very confused DJ.
Photography 101: Capture Your Celestial Moment!
Now, if you’re keen on capturing these mystical hues, you might want to take a leaf out of Bart Maat’s book. He explains on ‘Goedemorgen Nederland’—which I assume means “Good Morning, Let’s Talk About the Weather” in Dutch—how to capture these magnificent visuals effectively. And I must say, it sounds a tad like preparing for a first date:
- Use a tripod (stability is key, folks).
- Employ a long shutter speed (no one wants fuzzy pictures unless it’s a school reunion).
- Find a dark spot (far from streetlights… and possibly far from your ex!).
It’s almost poetic, really. Position your camera right, and you’ll snag the vibrant greens and pinks of the aurora borealis instead of a blurry mess resembling your last attempt at DIY haircuts.
What’s Behind the Magic? A Cosmic Show!
You see, the reason we’re treated to this celestial spectacle is a robust plasma eruption on the sun. It’s that fiery ball of gas that occasionally decides to shower us with electrically charged particles. Imagine it like your sunburn on holiday—it’s all fun and games until you realize you’ve overdone it! These particles collide with the oxygen and nitrogen in our atmosphere. The results? Beautiful colors in the sky that you can brag about on Instagram, of course!
Then there’s the activity happening on the sun itself—yes, that star is having quite a party! With frequent solar storms coming our way, it’s no wonder the northern lights have popped down to say hello to several locations in our beloved Netherlands this year. Talk about a return visit from that obnoxious friend you thought had moved to another city!
Also read: Moon takes a bite out of the sun today: partial solar eclipse visible
So, folks, grab your cameras, polish those lenses, and find a clear spot—cloudy weather or a wayward DJ might just spoil your shot! The northern lights are in town, and they’re certainly worth chasing. Remember to appreciate the art in the sky, because like a good joke, it doesn’t last forever!
By: Steve Oosterkamp
