Aurora Borealis on Campus

Last weekend, there was a super-cool solar happening around the northern parts of the globe. And Brentwood was lucky enough to see it on campus. 

For a little context, there was the biggest solar storm to happen in 20 years a couple of days ago, and that charged energy burst from the sun, caused the Northern Lights to be seen all around, from the UK to Kansas. So when students realized this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, we jumped at the chance to see it. Thanks for the heads up Mr Hacker Teper.

In Hope House specifically, the solar storm was brought to our attention by our Spatial Awareness Prefect (Get it? Because of space?) Nirva M, Hope ‘24, who told us “You have to see this”. So we pestered Mrs Hedquist to let us out at 11 pm. Hopelings are nothing if not persistent, so, of course, we succeeded. 

We meandered our way down to Campbell Commons, and at first, it was only a little streak of white light across the sky, but soon it was a plethora of colours. The Commons was crowded with students and staff taking photos and enjoying the light show. While walking to get a good view I heard so many “This is so cool”, and “Are northern lights always like this”. Safe to say they're not. It was truly so amazing to see the Northern Lights in sleepy Mill Bay, just south of the 49th parallel. 

The excitement endured as classes were abuzz with talks of the previous night - and the frustration of some of the heavier sleepers who missed it. When I walked into my Learning Centre block first thing in the morning, I was greeted by Mr Stevens asking “Did you see the lights?” He then proceeded to ask every single student who walked through the doors of the library. 

With all the hustle and bustle of the third term, it can sometimes slip our minds that we have a beautiful campus. I think the Northern Lights reminded our community to look up once in a while and admire the place we live. 

Inara W, Hope ‘24