Shooting aurora in the rain.

Well, that was certainly a first.  There was a monster auroral display last night, but as usual this season, it was completely cloudy here in Bear Valley.  I happened to look out the window around 11 pm to check the sky and the aurora was so intense you could see it behind the clouds.   Got set up outside and waited and started to see a couple of holes in the clouds.  There was a quick intense blast around midnight, and then total cloud cover, wind and rain moved back in.   

A cloudy treat at sunset.

We just don't get really cool clouds very often in Anchorage, so tonight was quite a treat.  Big, billowing Midwest style clouds at sunset, rain showers rapidly moving over the city, and then Denali coming out for a good night show as it began clearing up.  Hopefully it stays clear as the aurora forecast is strong for the next couple of nights.  Click images for full-screen.

Finally, a bit of a light show early this morning.

We've been having aurora withdrawal here in Anchorage so far this season.  The clouds have not been cooperating, while Fairbanks, Delta, and North Pole have been hogging all the strong displays.  Finally early this morning we had clear skies and some color, plus some really nice Milky Way.  It wasn't a super active or strong show, but it sure felt good to be back outside between 1:30 am and 3 am on a warm night with just the owls hooting for company.

We've become a Moose B&B

Mom and baby moose have been hanging out around the house just about every day.  Today the rain finally stopped and they were back enjoying a glorious afternoon in the sun.  This baby has so much personality--dancing and prancing around the yard,  making moose noises at our dog Xena who watches them from the deck.  I think she wants to play.  It's better entertainment than anything on TV.

click for full-screen.