In early March, I joined a group, which included Astronomy Magazine asociate editor Francis Reddy, on a tour to Alaska, to see the Northern Lights. What a great trip, and made much better by Francis. We stayed in Fairbanks, and also in Chena Hot Springs. The Springs are out of this world (no pun intended). We were fortunate to have excellent weather, and the aurora viewing was great. I have made a small photo page if you are interested.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bwanatom99/album?.dir=/2887
Thanks , Man

I really want to go on one of those some day, but I lack the financial capability as I am only in high school. Furthermore, my parents could not fund a trip like that because they are funding other trips for me (Boy's State, People to People: International Diplomacy Summit). Maybe one day I will be able to tag along. I am glad you had a great time!

, marsbound2024
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EDIT: I deleted my reply; thus, I think you may now be able to delete that thread in the General Discussion Area.

Dear Marsbound,
I am 49 yo, and have been blessed with a good career. Although, I must say that hard work pays off. If you want to go on a trip to Alaska, or anywhere else, remember that you can, if you work hard now. It sounds like worthy things you are getting involved with, keep up the good work.
Best to you, Mandevu

Thank you for your comments, Mandevu. I am thinking about becoming an entreprenuer and thus hope that I may be able to acquire mild wealth (I don't need millions of dollars to sustain me) so that I can explore the world and afford a few private space tours (orbital, sublunar, lunar orbital, and maybe translunar once I get old).

Thank you for sharing your trip with us! The pictures are stunning. Being there would have been even more so.

, marsbound2024

Awesome Pictures Mandevu. My dad used to have to travel to Vancouver and came back with some great stories of the "Northern Lights". I have the Cokin Filters for my camera which enable me to take some weird photos, but nothing like what you captured! I too share marsbound's enthusiasm and my wife and I are going to take the Alaskan Boat Cruise in a year or two. Hope I see half of what you saw!

Dave

WOW those are some very good pictures..Glad you were able to go up there.Some time I will get that far North.whos know maybe this coming year.

Dirk Miller

www.storm-chaser236.com

Wow those pics are amazing.  Seems so unreal =)

Enjoyed your pics of the northern lights.  Lots of green.  I went to Alaska in September.  I failed to see the lights because of a full moon and because I only went as far as Denali.  I may go to Iceland.