In the heart of Alaska winter, the night sky stretches endlessly, while the aurora dances in the ethereal beauty, nine undergraduate students from all over the United States are about to embark on a transformative journey. These students have been active in their family community with the “NASA Partner Eclipse Ambassadors”, with nine of over 700 volunteers sharing the science and awe of Eclipse 2024 with the Eclipse Ambassadors program of NASA Science Activation Activation Program. Now, these nine are selected to participate in a lifetime experience as part of the “Eclips to Aurora” Winter School of Fairbanks University Winter School. The program, organized by NASA-backed Pacific Astronomy Society and NASA’s Aurorasaurus Citizen Science Project, provides not only lectures, but also immersive experiences of the wonders of Heliophysics and the profound connection between the sun and the earth.
From January 4-11, 2025, students explore the science behind Aurora through a journey to solar and space physics, hands-on experiments, and cutting-edge research facilities such as the Poker Plane Research Series. They also gained valuable insights from the elders of Athabaskan, who shared local stories and interstellar knowledge. As Feras recalls: “We participated in multiple panels about solar energy and space physics, talked to local elders with Auroras, and visited the poker plane study series to observe the amazing Northern Lights.”
For many students, witnessing Aurora is not only a scientific milestone, but also a profound personal and emotional experience. One participant Andrea vividly described it: "I looked at the darkest horizon I could find, and saw my only constant dreams come true before my eyes, so dance slowly, bent down and shake the stars. Everything I could do, my hands freeze, tears fell, and I started dreaming with my eyes wide open." Another student, Kalid, reflected the common human moment: "Stand under the spacious Alaska sky...we are all humans, looking up, waiting for something magical. Auroras doesn't care about our major or our knowledge - they take us under the same sky."
These miraculous moments are reflected through deeper sense of purpose and transformation. "Over the course of the week, I had a rare opportunity to explore the aurora through speeches on solar physics, planetary aurora and indigenous stars... and reflect on these experiences through papers and speeches," Sofia said. "Winter Field School is not just an academic effort, but a celebration of science, culture and sharing human experiences." It not only promotes understanding, but also unity and awe, reminding everyone to participate in the profound interconnectedness of our universe.
The impact of the program continues to resonate. For many students, an Aurora Lit week in Alaska was a turning point in their career focus. Sophia has since been accepted for thermophysics as a graduate school. Vishvi, inspired by the intersection of science and society, will begin the medical physics program at the University of Pennsylvania this fall. Christy has applied for her PhD in the epicenter of Aurora Research. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Space Physics Program - This is the institution that helped her journey. Their story is strong evidence that winter field schools not only teach—it has awakened purpose, ignited new paths, and left footprints on futures.
Eclipse Ambassadors is supported by NASA, which awards 80NSS22M0007, is part of NASA's scientifically activated product portfolio. Learn more about how scientific activation connects NASA science experts, real content and experience with community leaders to activate ideas and promote a deeper understanding of our world and beyond: