![]() ![]() Tornados or waterspouts are smaller, but more intense wind events that can be devastating. Hurricanes, typhoons and cyclones (different names for the same large low pressure systems in different parts of the world) are awesome events, so much so that they are assigned unique names. Surfer observing the green flash at sunset in San Diego, California.Ĥ) Experiencing nature in its full fury in either storms or tectonic events can be both frightening and memorable. ![]() I had the good fortune of watching the green flash three days in a row while helping a friend deliver a 32’ double-ended Bristol Bay gill-netter from Seward to Sitka, Alaska across the Gulf of Alaska. The green flash is a rare event, and some people view sunsets for years or decades without seeing a green flash. Part of the problem is that it is more of a green glow than a green flash, and it is best viewed with sunset over a water horizon. There are many skeptics who believe the green flash is a myth, but there is photographic evidence as well an optical physics explanation. For me, the solar eclipse is spectacular, but I enjoy watching some memorable lunar eclipses, because they are easy to watch (no special viewing aids needed) and really provide a three dimensional image of the moon.Ī rare total solar eclipse visible from the northern tip of Australia on November 13, 2012.ģ) One of the vigorously debated wonders is the green flash at sunset. The rarity of viewing these phenomena and the realization that they involve various celestial bodies makes them particularly special. Another type of eclipse is the transit of Venus across the sun that occurs at intervals of less than twice a century. Total eclipses are rare occurrences, which combined with requiring clear skies make them difficult to view. Credit: Adrian JonesĢ) Another astronomical phenomenon which creates awe and wonder is when the alignment of the sun, earth and moon causes an eclipse, either a solar eclipse where the moon blocks out the sun or a lunar eclipse where the earth's shadow covers the moon. The Northern Lights are caused when particles thrown off the surface of the sun collide with the atmosphere of the Earth. ![]() I have great memories of cross country skiing when I was at the Institute of Marine Science, University of Alaska, Fairbanks and watching magical aurora displays. They are created from solar wind interactions with the earth's magnetic force, thus are a function of the earth's position within the solar system, a concept that reinforces their uniqueness. Thus, the experience of seeing them is made more memorable because of the viewing conditions. They are ephemeral and typically viewed in winter months standing outside in frigid conditions, as it is difficult to view night skies in high latitude summers. ![]() The seven natural wonders of the world are the following: 1) Aurora (borealis or australis), 2) eclipse (solar or lunar), 3) green flash at sunset, 4) storms or tectonic events (hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, volcanoes), 5) bioluminescence, 6) mass spawning, and 7) live birth of large animals.ġ) Aurora borealis in the Northern Hemisphere (northern lights) or aurora australis in the Southern Hemisphere (southern lights) are natural light displays in high latitudes which can produce colorful curtains, dancing across the night sky. A common feature of the natural wonders is that photography rarely does them justice-the live experience of observing the natural wonders transcends the photographic memory. They are not everyday occurrences like sunrises or sunsets, but rare enough to induce a sense of awe and wonder in those viewing them. These natural wonders are both physical and biological, united in their ability to create lasting memories in those who view them. Similarly, the seven natural wonders of the world are focused on the iconic settings that impact those viewing them. The impact of seeing these manmade creations was what made them the wonders. The original “ seven wonders of the world” were manmade structures, often in iconic settings. ![]()
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