I think I'm with Lee on this one. There are a few special life experiences, that a DIY recording of just can't do justice, so just rely on the wonderful memory. For me, it was hearing the organ played at St Sulpice in Paris, my Tascam recorder and Sony or Rode mics couldn't have done justice to the sound and feel of that organ, and the atmosphere of the cathedral, so I just treasure the memory instead. Unless you have the skill and equipment to reliably get top quality photos or video of the aurora, I think I'd just concentrate on enjoying the experience.
Each to their own, however!