Maria Smirnova, who leads the St. Petersburg Planetarium observatory, spoke in a conversation with a local newspaper about the impact of the northern lights on health. She emphasized that aurora borealis and magnetic storms do not influence human health or overall well-being. While many people might perceive a link between vivid sky displays and how they feel, scientific observations show no direct causal connection between auroral activity and health outcomes. This distinction helps people understand that personal experiences during auroral events are not indicators of physiological changes. [Attribution: National Aeronautics and Space Administration]
Smirnova noted that the common belief about the northern lights affecting mood or health persists in popular culture, but the scientific record does not support a health impact. Aurora displays arise from energetic particles interacting with Earth’s atmosphere, creating light through ionization and excitation of gases. This natural phenomenon can be stunning and awe-inspiring, yet its physical effects on the body remain negligible. The astronomer highlighted that synthetic sensations or mood shifts reported by observers are more likely tied to psychological and environmental factors rather than any direct biological effect. [Attribution: European Space Agency]
According to the astronomer, experts anticipate that the peak of auroral activity could occur about 3 to 6 hours on the night of April 24. The overall event is tied to solar activity that began with a flare on April 21, when a stream of charged particles was hurled toward Earth. As these particles reach our planet, magnetic fields guide them toward higher latitudes, where they interact with atmospheric gases, producing brilliant light shows—without compromising health. The timing and intensity of such displays depend on the energy released during the solar flare and the subsequent flow of charged particles. [Attribution: Space Weather Prediction Center]
In explaining the process, Smirnova described how some solar matter penetrates the atmosphere near the poles, lighting up various gases and creating the familiar greens, pinks, and purples of the aurora. Observers can witness these features best from locations with clear, dark skies and minimal light pollution, where the shimmering curtains appear to ripple across the night sky. The scientific explanation remains consistent: while the spectacle is extraordinary, its arrival is a natural space-weather event with no documented adverse health effects on people. [Attribution: Canadian Space Agency]
Earlier reports noted sightings of the Northern Lights over St. Petersburg, illustrating how far-reaching the phenomenon can be when solar activity aligns with Earth’s magnetic field. For enthusiasts across Canada and the United States, tracking auroral forecasts provides opportunities to plan viewing sessions, provided safety guidelines for cold-weather viewing are followed. Observers are advised to wear appropriate clothing, carry warm supplies, and stay informed through reputable space-weather services during high-activity periods. [Attribution: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center]