Aurora borealis

Aurora Borealis

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural light display predominantly seen in the high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic. The phenomenon is caused by the collision of solar particles and gases in the Earth's atmosphere.

Etymology

The term "Aurora Borealis" originates from the Latin words "Aurora" meaning "dawn" and "Borealis" meaning "north". This term was coined by Galileo Galilei in the 17th century, drawing from both Roman mythology and astronomical observations.

Scientific Explanation

The Aurora Borealis is a result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth's atmosphere with charged particles released from the sun's atmosphere. Variations in colour are due to the type of gas particles that are colliding. The most common auroral color, a pale yellowish-green, is produced by oxygen molecules located about 60 miles above Earth. Rare, all-red auroras are produced by high-altitude oxygen, at heights of up to 200 miles. Nitrogen produces blue or purplish-red aurora.

Observation

The best places to watch the Aurora Borealis are in the northwestern parts of Canada, particularly the Yukon, Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Alaska. The lights are also visible from the southern tip of Greenland and Iceland, the northern coast of Norway and over the coastal waters north of Siberia.

Cultural Significance

The Aurora Borealis has had a number of interpretations in folklore and mythology. Many indigenous cultures, including the Inuit and the Sami, have legends and myths based on the lights. In modern times, the lights are a popular tourist attraction and are often sought by photographers and astronomers.

See Also

• Aurora Australis
• Solar Wind
• Geomagnetic Storm
• Magnetosphere