My interest in astronomy started around the age of eight or nine when, prancing around our yard pretending to be a prima-donna ballet dancer, I glanced up in the night sky to see a huge fireball pass overhead. I can still see it in my mind's eye, a huge yellow fiery ball. I wasn't frightened but I recall feeling very intrigued as I rushed indoors to tell my family. Many other people had reported the sighting and it was extensively reported locally.

One of the most beautiful acts of Mother Nature is the Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights. I have seen it once and it is an awe inspiring sight. I saw it at the time of the last solar maximum when a strong magnetic storm hit the Earth. I heard about it on the news and waiting until 2.00 am when I saw the most wonderful sight of red and green wispy clouds in the night sky. Another solar maximum is due soon so keep a look out for any news of a magnetic storm and you may be lucky and see the Northern Lights for yourself.