For an early Christmas my wife got us both a trip to see the Northern
lights.

To start, we were treated to a lecture on sun spots and the sloar system by
this guy from The Sky At Night (Not Patrick) and we then got onto the plane.

We flew from Newcastle, headed north for two hours and reached the active
zone. Now this is were the problem started. The palne used was a 757, six
seats accross and full. Obvioulsy, with only one window seat per side per
row mean't that a system of swapping had to go on. This was made very clear
by the organisers. But my row decided to be very selfish. I was allocated
an isle seat, with my wife on the opposite isle seat. She was, incidentally
sitting next to two ladies who were both disabled and could not swap seats
very easily at all. They really tried their best though. Back to my side.
I would say for the 3 hour trip, I spent about 20 minutes at the window. 5
minutes of those were during the Northern lights display (which was
excellent by the way - wife wasn't impressed much).

If anyone is thinking of going on one of these trips, really bear in mind
that unless you set out ground rules with your neighbours before you take
off, it can lead to a spoiled trip.

Paul

PS - The Lights were fantastic. A definate green hue and clear curtain
patern - although quite defused.