The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights - that astonishingly beautiful light show displayed on the northern night sky - holds its watchers enraptured, time after time, with an irresistible attraction. The stage is the eternally restful star-studded heavens.

In the prelude, a soft green bow - timid, cowering - peeps forth. After a moment's hesitation, it may disappear again into the wings, before returning suddenly to illuminate the dark tree tops with its neon green glow. As if to allude to its full glory, the arc reddens at its top edge and pins one end to the horizon with a needle-like red ray.

The watchers hold their breath and are soon rewarded. Like a magical shroud, the arc sways into motion - at first with slow swings, but then as if tossed by gusts of wind. Folding its skirts into the horizon, it rises billowing ever higher, at times approaching, at times retreating, as if in search of its limits. Behind is soon revealed another, and then a third shroud, which branch out further and further. The celestial sphere is filled to the breadth of one's vision with an enormous fresco of living light.

The climax comes at the stroke of midnight. At the full height of their powers, the arcs reach up to the sky's zenith where the show's crowning jewel - the corona - bursts forth. Like a multi-colored rosette, elegantly unfolding its overlapping petals, it reveals its untrammeled beauty. The watchers gaze in awe.

A photograph has very limited means to reproduce the uniquely fabulous nature of aurora. Its mystic beauty can only be sensed with one's own eyes, under a clear, starry sky.

It gives me great pleasure to share these pictures with you!