There are three (possibly soon to be four) books, of which I am reading one page a day (don’t ask why, I couldn’t explain, I just am). They are;
- Everyday Nature by Andy Beer
- On this Day in Politics by Iain Dale
- The Journals of Gilbert White Edited by Walter Johnson
Tonights focus (for a little while at least) isgoing to be on Gilbert Whites Journals. On the his journal for the 26th of February 1769, Gilbert writes; Vast rain in the night. Vast Aurora Borealis.
Now, bear in mind that this is for Selborne (look at What3Words climate.chosen.provoking) – what an apt locator!
The thing that got me about the post was the report of the borealis, and that it was vast. Now, I have never seen the northern lights and it is an ambition to do so. I am very early on in Gilbert’s journals – Page 11. Now, I am wondering if he will mention any re-occurrences of borealis in the future.
If he does, then it will serve to reinforce my view that if it werenot for the light pollution of today’s world would we be seeing the Aurora Borealis this far south more frequently? I know there are a couple of places in the south classed as a dark skies reserve – one is Moores Reserve on the South Downs Way. Do observers see more Aurora from these locations? I haven’t asked the question – I should do so.
Should it turn out to be the case that if it were not for the pollution by light at night, we would all be experiencing the stunning glory of the Aurora Borealis on a regular basis, it will be the source of an immense frustration.
In the header picture, you can clearly see not only Orion, but the sword on the belt which is really combination of three stars and the Orion Nebula.
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