The Aurora Borealis are caused by solar particles bombarding the Earth’s magnetic field and colliding with gas atoms (green from low atmospheric oxygen, red from high altitude oxygen and blue from nitrogen). It’s one of nature’s most profound, awe-inspiring, displays; a reminder of our fragility, our insignificance, the fleeting beauty of our existence.
Most never see them.
On Friday, however, the universe hiccoughed. The Earth was hit by the biggest solar storm in over 10 years. The Northern Lights were seen as far south as Florida.
This made me happy. What I saw on social media and TV, and heard on the radio, made me sad:
“The best way to see the northern lights is through your phone screen.”
Really?
We were being 'advised' to live through this once-in-a-lifetime event via our phone screens.
Screens detect the light better. Apparently.
It made me sad... because I foolishly thought the best way to see the Northern Lights was with your eyes.
“A once in a lifetime explosion of the sun? The sky mottled green and purple and pink? Definitely need my eyes for this one,” I wrongly thought.
Why even go outside? Why even look up?
Use AI. Or an 8k television, the Aurora Borealis beamed live to your home from the north pole.
And it reminded me that technology is not a replacement, yet people use it as such.
People say we must avoid ‘Tech for tech’s sake.’
But that mantra doesn’t apply only to the tech companies building the future of our culture.
‘Tech for tech’s sake’ applies to you too! To how you experience life, relationships, work and meaning.
Yes, your phone can capture the image.
But it can’t capture the feeling. It can’t capture the awe. It can’t capture the real conversation between you and the universe. (Or you and your daughter.)
Technology is not a replacement for the raw, unfiltered experience.
Next time the universe gives you front row seats, remember: the best way to view it isn’t through your phone screen. It’s with your eyes.
If you’re lucky, you have two. They are on your face. Use them.
Look up.
