Lucy in the Sky

This week I have felt as though I've missed out on the party of the century. I'm not talking about a fabulous new club night in Aberdeen, or the possibility of reeling with the best at the Burn's Supper. No. It's that elusive and incredible phenomenon, the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. This week has seen the most solar activity for years, resulting in the most incredible light shows as far south as Northumberland. Even Edinburgh was backlit magnificently for one lucky photographer.

I live in the heart of Aberdeenshire, not ten miles from the aurora-watcher who keeps the detection equipment in his back garden for Lancaster University's Aurorawatch. Maybe it's because my house nestles in the fold of a small valley that runs west to east, maybe it's because I've been asleep at the time. Over the past year I have stood outside in my back garden and lost myself in the endlessness of the sky, counted dozens of shooting stars, tracked satelites as they glide unblinking, and been in awe of the diamond swathes of the Milky Way. I am truly star-struck without knowing what I am looking at. I am not a scientist. But to have the rippling light show played out on top of such a sky would be akin to nature's most breath-taking piece of art.

This evidence of the links between science and nature is explored further by The Fabric of the Land Exhibition at Woodend Barn (preview Friday 10th February, 7-9pm, runs until Sunday 18th March). Nature's most profound designs, whether as big as the Aurora Borealis or as small as an ice crystal are inspiration for the human artist. Nature is our greatest teacher as well as supplying the raw materials for our art - clay, stone, mineral and vegetable pigments.

There is little to compare with standing wrapped up against the cold and watching such a grand light show to make you feel quite small and insignificant, yet very much a part of the universe. I saw it once, you know. But like a newly inducted drug addict I want more. I want to see it again, to stand and glory at the wonder of nature. Tell me, have you seen it?

Sarah