Time now for Palmer’s night sky dark theater

November is here and without the snow cover—it is very dark. This is a natural time between the busy harvest time and the onset of the holidays. Thanksgiving is two weeks out so we have the time and opportunity to focus on the pause and the beauty of the elegant night skies. If you have been watching the night sky recently you will have seen the theatrics of the Northern Lights, the shooting stars, the stationary stars, the shimmering planets, and the passages of the moon. There have been bursts of asteroids periodically resembling a small fireworks show. Our space wonders are somewhat visible to the human eye and with the help of telescopes a full world emerges. There of course have been the long pale pink and blue sunsets that last for over an hour. This nightly show is a favorite of Palmer Opacarophiles…those who love sunsets. And sunrises that make you cry with their beauty. And in between is that special dark Palmer Night theater.

Palmer Celestial Appreciation —Palmer loves its’ star sightings. We might not be active in the summer months but it is going strong right now. Now is the auspicious season when light conflicts are minimal and we can focus on the the darkness unfolding completely. As the sky grows darker and darker we are able to see more and more in the revealing space. We have a number of aficionados who are fond of the night skys. Palmer Astrophiles are the lovers of stars and astronomy in general. Palmer Selenaophiles are those who love the moon and are ever waiting and watchful. Palmer Nyctophiles are people who love both night or darkness.

Palmer Auroraphiles—I might have made this word up…”auroraphiles”…but it fits. We LOVE the aurora. We take pics and we wake our neighbors. The word 'Phile' comes from ancient Greek word, ‘phileein’ meaning to love. And Phile identifies a person who loves or have a fondness for a specified thing. The Northern Lights is nature’s most extravagant light show. In the last weeks, we have had tremendous shows and Palmer’s social media went crazy, rightfully. No one wants to miss it. There is something ethereal about the dark space and the neon ribbons of lights swirling above your head. It is an overwhelming connection to the beyond.

November is Challenging—The increasing darkness, impending hibernation, lack of snow (for activities and lighting), and coldish temperatures can be downers. Depending on your affiliations, the election results can either kick up or kick down one’s attitude. On the up side, little cheery lights and holiday decorations are increasing every single day. Soon our Water Tower will be lit! Plus, as explained above, our night sky, with all its’ elements, is definitely an upper in the month of November.

Full Palmer Moon—This week there is the full moon on Friday the 15th. It is called the Beaver Moon, Frosty Moon or Dark Moon. It will be the last super-moon of 2024. On this same night you might see a little squeak of Jupiter. The Leonid meteor shower will peak on the 16th and the 17th.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222