This summer has been magical for many reasons. However, one of the most incredible things we witnessed was the aurora borealis (Northern Lights). In mid-August, the coastal northern lights appeared in the night sky. This night also coincided with the near peak of the Perseids meteor shower. The dual astro-phenomenon created a night sky to remember. One of our summer photographers, Bucket, was there to capture the scene. Check out the pics below!
Northern Lights and the Westwind Values
Westwind is an incredible place for many reasons. One of the most outstanding parts of Westwind is the physical land it sits on. Our 529 acres, within the larger Cascade Head Marine Biosphere, is one of the most undisturbed stretches of the Oregon coast. In this space, we can understand the value of sustainability. For many of us, the shores of Westwind were the first place we saw the stars in all their glory. Taking a night walk on the beach and looking up at the sky, you see why it’s called the Milky Way. The sustainability of dark areas, with limited light pollution, allows for greater engagement and understanding of the world around us. Conserving Westwind means the next generation of visitors can continue to learn from the wisdom of nature.
By viewing the Northern Lights, a collision between the sun’s energy and the edges of Earth’s atmosphere demonstrates the interconnectivity of our world. The same sun that creates the aurora borealis is the fuel for the plants of Westwind. In turn, those plants feed small creatures who feed larger creatures, all the way up the food chain. The elements in the atmosphere collide with the sun’s rays to produce the many colors you see in the aurora borealis. These atoms are the building blocks for our world, the elements are the air we breathe, and the molecules are the food that feeds our ecosystem,