Vince Ledvina, known as the Aurora Guy, shares his passion for the enchanting phenomenon of auroras and their connection to solar activity. He discusses the excitement of chasing auroras during solar maximum, the unique conditions on planets that create these light displays, and even personal experiences from his research in Alaska. The conversation also touches on the role of citizen science in aurora photography and the contrasting auroras found on Earth and Mars, making for a captivating exploration of these cosmic wonders.
The solar maximum phase increases sun activity, leading to more frequent and intense auroras on Earth and other celestial bodies.
Research on auroras reveals insights into planetary atmospheres and magnetic fields, with comparisons drawn between Earth, Mars, and Jupiter.
Citizen science initiatives like Aurorasaurus enhance community involvement and contribute valuable data to the understanding of auroral phenomena.
Deep dives
Solar Maximum and Its Effects
The current phase of the solar cycle known as solar maximum has led to increased activity from the sun, resulting in various phenomena like sunspots and coronal mass ejections. This heightened activity means that auroras, which are stunning displays of light in the Earth's sky caused by solar particles interacting with our atmosphere, are more frequent. The science behind these brilliant displays provides insight into not just Earth but also other celestial bodies in our solar system. The sun's behavior during this period allows scientists to connect solar weather and auroral activity across different planets and moons.
The Science of Auroras
Auroras, both the aurora borealis and aurora australis, occur when charged particles from the sun are channeled by Earth’s magnetic field toward its poles, causing atmospheric gases to glow. This relationship between solar activity and auroras serves as an indicator of the connection between our star and the planets around it. A discussion on the recently identified phenomenon, STEVE, highlights how unique light displays offer further understanding of space weather. STEVE’s charming name originated from a citizen science project, illustrating the blend of science and community engagement in auroral research.
Auroral Observations Beyond Earth
Auroras have been observed on various celestial bodies, including Mars and Jupiter, showcasing the universal nature of this phenomenon across the solar system. Studying auroral activity on other planets helps scientists draw parallels and contrasts with Earth's own experiences, revealing valuable insights into planetary atmospheres and magnetic fields. For instance, Mars' lack of a global magnetic field influences the visibility and characteristics of its auroral phenomena. This exploration encourages a broader understanding of solar interactions and their effects on different planetary bodies.
The Importance of Citizen Science
Citizen science plays a significant role in auroral research, enhancing data collection and analysis while allowing amateur aurora enthusiasts to contribute to scientific endeavors. Platforms like Aurorasaurus enable people to report sightings of auroras and share their images, fostering community involvement in the study of these natural wonders. This collaboration not only enriches scientific understanding but also encourages public engagement with space weather phenomena. Such contributions can influence research on aurora patterns and related space weather events, reinforcing the interconnectedness of scientific inquiry and community participation.
Aurora Photography and Chasing Tips
Capturing stunning images of auroras involves strategic planning and understanding auroral activity dynamics, especially during times of heightened solar activity. Optimal conditions for aurora chasing include selecting the right time of year, ideally during months like September and March when auroras are typically more active. Photographers are advised to seek locations with minimal light pollution to enhance visibility and capture unique auroral colors, which are influenced by the types of particles interacting in the atmosphere. Various techniques, such as using ambient light to enhance visibility while photographing auroras, allow enthusiasts to make the most of their aurora experiences.
We are near solar maximum, a time in the solar cycle when our Sun is most active. That means more sun spots, coronal mass ejections, and auroras on worlds across our solar system. This week, Vince Ledvina, also known as the Aurora Guy, joins Planetary Radio to discuss the science behind the northern and southern lights and what they can tell us about our Sun, our planet, and worlds across our galaxy. Then Bruce Betts joins in for What's Up, a chat about global magnetic fields on terrestrial worlds and a new random space fact.
