Snowflakes and Northern Lights

I have been lazy to come and write-up. But there are two things I learned in the last week. When it snowed in Redmond, talking to one of my colleagues enjoying the snow, I found that no two snow-flakes are technically alike. I do recollect that I made a passing mention of this in one of my earlier posts. For those with insatiable curiousity, below is more:

1. A snowflake primer
2. Is it true that no two snow crystals are alike? (Scroll down 1 page)

Northern lights (or, Aurora Borealis) have fascinated me ever since I came across its mention in The Polar Express. By the way, for those who havent watched the movie, go get it. Its a delight! At this point, I am just dying for an opportunity to watch this phenomenon. From what I have read, the Northern Lights which are, naturally, in the northern hemisphere can be viewed from places like Yukon (Canada), Alaska (USA) or the Lapland region (Finland). Basically, you need to be in the northern oval to be able to see it. Do visit the links above for preliminary information on the same.

The same phenomenon, taking place in the Southern hemisphere in Antartica is called Aurora Australis or Southern Lights.

While I was reading on Northern lights, i surfed onto reading about the north pole. I read something that initially made me wonder and later, smile about when I recollect. Here it goes:

The unique thing about being on the north pole is that from there, you can only travel south :).