Between the end of September and the beginning of March some extraordinary natural phenomena: polar auroras; these are called northern region in the Northern Hemisphere and Australia In the south. In the past, they were believed to be a bridge between the world of the gods and the earthly world, or were formed by the souls of deceased ancestors, unborn children, dragons or flying snakes.
So what actually are polar auroras? Very simply, these can be said to be the effect of the collision of highly charged particles from the sun (the “solar wind”) that penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere and create this glowing phenomenon. They, after all, Billions of excited atoms emit tiny flashes of light across the night sky, creating what looks like a huge palette of colors. from green to pink or purple. Those who have seen them live can be sure that they are. a magical and exciting vision. A very big show.
A study published last June in the journal ‘Nature Communications’ proved that: The brightest polar auroras are produced by strong electromagnetic waves during geomagnetic storms..
The research sought to resolve a doubt: How do electrons accelerate before colliding with the ionosphere and producing the aurora’s light? The report details how phenomena known as ‘Alfven waves’ (rapid disturbances emanating from the Sun along magnetic fields carrying electrodynamic energy) cause electrons to accelerate towards the Earth (they can exceed 70 million kilometers per hour). causing the particles to produce that unique light show.
Particles from the Sun
This demonstrated what scientists have dared to do for decades: Energetic particles emitted from the Sun (eruptions and solar flares) collapse along the lines of the Earth’s magnetic field into the upper atmosphere, where they collide with oxygen and nitrogen molecules. causes excitement. When these molecules relax, they emit light and produce the colorful hues of the aurora.All this takes place at an altitude of approximately 100 kilometers above sea level..
These magnificent night lights (there are also areas visible during the day) were named in 1619. Galileo GalileiIt is named after the Greek goddess of the dawn, Aurora, and the north wind, Boreas. For thousands of years, auroras dominated by the color red were interpreted as a bad omen.. They were even said to have predicted the death of Julius Caesar (44 BC) and the American Civil War (1860).
The first person to provide a scientific explanation for the polar lights was a Norwegian Kristian Birkeland, but his contribution was not recognized until 1960, long after his death. Every dawn is different. The most common ones resemble a wavy or twisting arc or a green stripe stretching across the sky.. Its appearance and intensity vary depending on the Sun’s activity, and its location depends on the Earth’s magnetic field.
Whether or not auroras will appear is something that cannot be predicted with certainty. After all, this is a natural phenomenon like the weather. But we know where there are more opportunities to see them and where they are best seen.
Where can we see the ‘Green Lady’?
Ideal places to contemplate this fascinating phenomenon in the Northern Hemisphere: Alaska, Canada’s northernmost provinces, Iceland, Norway’s Lofoten Islands, the Northern Cape, Kiruna in Sweden, Finnish Lapland, northern Siberia in Russia, Scotland’s Shetland island, Norwegian Svalbard and Greenland (where they begin to be seen in August). In some areas local people call the auroragreen lady‘, because this is usually the dominant colour.
Due to intense interest and the increasing number of tourists, they have built construction in some of these places. rooms with glass ceilings and igloos in the middle of nowhere and safaris with private guides to search for and “hunt” for the northern lights. Norway, Sweden and Iceland are the most popular destinations for Spanish northern lights “hunters”.
Some frequently asked questions:
Why do auroras move?
Auroras occur when high-energy electron beams pass through the upper layers of the atmosphere. As these rays move, the aurora also moves.
What are the best months to see the northern lights?
According to statistics, spring (March and April) and autumn (September and October) record the greatest northern lights activities. However, it is also possible to observe them in November, December, January and February.
What is the best time to see them?
You can normally see auroras between six in the afternoon and one in the morning, but their frequency is usually higher between 22:00 and 23:00.
Why is the probability of seeing the Aurora higher on a cold night?
The northern lights phenomenon occurs at a height above the clouds. On cold nights, the sky is usually clearer, making it easier to see the auroras.
Scientific study on polar auroras (English): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-23377-5
Source: Informacion
James Sean is a writer for “Social Bites”. He covers a wide range of topics, bringing the latest news and developments to his readers. With a keen sense of what’s important and a passion for writing, James delivers unique and insightful articles that keep his readers informed and engaged.