Join scientist Dr. Liz MacDonald, who specializes in auroras, as she takes us on a vibrant journey through nature's stunning light shows. Discover what causes these colorful displays, starting with sun burps! Learn about the prime spots to catch an aurora and hear fascinating trivia that adds to their allure. You'll even get a glimpse into personal experiences witnessing these magical lights. It's a dazzling dive into the science and wonder behind these beautiful phenomena!
Auroras are caused by energetic particles from the sun colliding with Earth's atmospheric gases, creating beautiful light displays.
Optimal viewing of auroras occurs during periods of heightened solar activity, particularly in March and September under dark, clear skies.
Deep dives
The Enchantment of Auroras
Auroras, also known as the Northern and Southern Lights, are mesmerizing natural light displays that occur when particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere. These collisions produce a range of colors including green, purple, red, and pink. The lights are mostly visible near the poles, where Earth's magnetic field is weaker, allowing these particles to penetrate the atmosphere. The beauty of auroras is complemented by their dynamic nature, appearing as streaks or waves that dance across the night sky.
The Science Behind Auroras
The formation of auroras is driven by energetic particles emitted from the sun, often referred to as solar winds. When these hot particles venture toward Earth, they can interact with the atmospheric gases, creating light shows as they collide with nitrogen and oxygen. This process is akin to a series of energetic ‘burps’ from the sun, resulting in stunning visual displays. The frequency and intensity of auroras are influenced by the solar cycle, with heightened activity occurring roughly every eleven years.
Auroras and Their Visibility
Auroras can be seen from a variety of locations, with visibility extending beyond traditional polar regions during periods of heightened solar activity. Conditions for optimal viewing include clear, dark skies, typically found during the night, especially around midnight. According to experts, the best times to witness auroras are during March and September, correlating with changes in solar activity. Additionally, specialized tools, like cameras with light-sensitive sensors, have demonstrated that colors and light from auroras may be more vivid in photographs than they are to the naked eye.
Have you ever seen an aurora? These spectacular night-time displays can fill our skies with dancing lights and bursts of color. But why do they happen in the first place?
Join Molly and co-host Mariam as they learn about what makes an aurora (hint: it starts with spicy sun burps) and chat with scientist Dr. Liz MacDonald about the best places to see them. Stick around for aurora trivia with Gameshow Molly and a dazzling new mystery sound!