Aurora Borealis
As you gaze upon the night sky, you might think that it is a big, black blanket studded with stars, sometimes accompanied by the moon. Then, on special occasions such as on National Day, it is much more colourful, with the help of fireworks. However, if you travel to the Northern or Southern hemispheres, you might see an equally colourful display of lights in the night that is completely natural.
The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), and the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), have always intrigued people. Indeed, many travel thousands of kilometres just to catch a glimpse of these dazzling lights, where the night skies look like they have been painted by a brilliant artist whose canvas is the sky itself!
How are Auroras formed?
Auroras occur when greatly charged electrons from solar winds interact with Earth’s atmosphere.
Like a magnet, the Earth also has a North Pole and a South Pole. The magnetism at these poles are
so powerful that it actually reaches all the way into the Earth’s core, producing a magnetic force.
Solar winds move from the Sun to the Earth. Upon reaching Earth, they follow this magnetic force produced by the Earth’s core. That is when the electrons in the solar winds interact with the oxygen and nitrogen atoms on Earth, producing brilliant colours that turn the darkest of skies into a beautiful light show.
Where can you see the Aurora Borealis?
Places like Greenland, Alaska and the northern coast of Siberia are recommended locations. But the exact spots for viewing the Aurora Borealis are quite inaccessible. On the other hand, Norway and the northern parts of Scandinavia are more easily accessible and provide some very ideal locations for people to view the Aurora Borealis.
When can you see the Aurora Borealis?
The best time for you to see the Aurora Borealis is during the winter season because of low light pollution and crystal-clear air. Even though auroras are present all year round, a darkened night sky is best for us to see them. Auroral activity is usually at its most brilliant late at night, between 10 pm and 1 am. ♦
The Internet as your viewing gallery
Since not many of us will really have the opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis in person, you might consider using the Internet as your viewing gallery. Use your search engine to look up this amazing natural phenomenon, and feast your eyes upon the wonderful natural fireworks that Mother Nature has to offer.