Solar storms reach their peak in springtime, and the Maine skies will come alive with their reflection in an unusually active Aurora Borealis this year, the state says.
When gasses contained in solar flares enter Earth’s atmosphere they create the green, purple, and pink bands of light also called the Northern Lights. Aroostook County is a dependable spot to see the flickering heavenly show, but the lights also reach coastal areas, including a recent showing over Pemaquid Point Light in Bristol.
The Aurora Borealis is named after Aurora, the Roman goddess of the dawn, and Boreas, the Greek name for the north wind. The Cree Indians called it the Dance of the Spirits; in the Middle Ages it was believed to be a sign from God.
Nowadays, even with a more scientific explanation, everyone who sees it agrees that the show is mesmerizing and inspiring.
If you go to Maine this summer, you also can catch the first annual Bay of Fundy International Marathon, bringing together runners from the US and Canada to meet in the middle.
Sponsored by the neighboring communities of Lubec, Maine, and Campobello Island, New Brunswick, the race will go from Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec across the bridge to Campobello Island and East Quoddy Head Light, then back to the Lubec waterfront.
There’s also a 10K run, a community fun run, a pasta and lobster dinner, and a street fair with live music.
