Hi All,

Northern lights were seen over regions of USA and Europe on 10th, 11th May 2024. Did you see them?

What are Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are natural light displays predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic. This phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in Earth's atmosphere, causing the atoms to light up.

How do they occur (the science behind it) -

Solar Wind: The sun emits a stream of charged particles, known as the solar wind.
Earth's Magnetic Field: When these particles reach Earth, they are directed by the planet's magnetic field towards the poles.
Atmospheric Interaction: The charged particles collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere, such as oxygen and nitrogen.
Emission of Light: These collisions excite the atoms, causing them to release energy in the form of light. The color of the light depends on the type of gas and its altitude. Oxygen emits green or red light, while nitrogen can produce blue or purple hues.

Additional details on colors and Shapes

#GreenAurora: The most common color, produced by oxygen molecules about 60 miles above Earth.
#RedAurora: Produced by high-altitude oxygen, at heights of up to 200 miles.
#Purple and #Blue: Caused by nitrogen, seen at the lower edges of the aurora.

The aurora can appear in various shapes, including arcs, bands, and curtains that often change and move across the sky.

#ScientificImportance

Studying the aurora helps scientists understand solar wind, Earth's magnetic field, and the interactions between the two. This research is vital for predicting space weather and protecting satellites and other technology from solar radiation.

#CulturalSignificance

Throughout history, the Northern Lights have inspired myths and legends in many cultures. For example, some Indigenous peoples in North America believed the lights were spirits of their ancestors, while in Norse mythology, they were thought to be reflections of the Valkyries' armor.

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Can you see them again?

Some regions might see the lights again (17th and 18th May 2024). Refer to the #news articles below -
1. https://www.theguardian.com/science/a...
2. https://www.king5.com/article/tech/sc...

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#northernlights #auroraborealis #aurora #auroramagic #southernlights #science #rant #nyc #newyork #usa #solarstorms #solarstorm #northernlightsmagic #northernlight