Last night was the first night we’ve been able to really see the Aurora Borealis since arriving in Yellowknife. When we arrived in April, you could still see them, from what we were told, however at that time you would have had to stay up until the wee wee hours of the morning to catch them. The days were getting much longer by the time we arrived.
And when Flo and I initially came here back in January, the few days we were here it was so cold (-47 celcius), that the sky was filled with ice fog almost the entire time. So catching a glimpse of the lights was almost impossible.
So last night, around 10:30, sure enough, there they were right overhead. The Aurora forecast (yes, there is a forecast for the Aurora!) was rated very “calm” last night, so I can’t wait to see what they are like when the forecast rates them a “extreme”. 
But you know something, they are an incredible phenomenon to witness. Almost humbling in their simplicity yet awe-inspiring power. I read somewhere this week that the combined energy of these northern lights is more than enough to power the entire planet. Incredible when you think about it.
Folklore has it that when the lights are strong, you can actually hear them speaking to you (well, they refer to it as “crackling” sounds I believe). The kids can’t wait to see them as well, and were both very excited when I told them that Flo and I seen them last night. I will be sure to capture some photos over the coming months… once I learn how to photograph them properly! Supposedly there are plenty of articles on this very topic.
Until next time…
