AURORAE

THE POLAR LIGHTS

The northern lights, as seen from space.

Also called the Polar lights, or Northern or Southern lights, is a natural display of light in the sky, mostly seen in the regions around both the poles. The phenomenon that happens in the north is called the Aurora Borealis, after the Roman goddess dawn, while it's southern counterpart is known as Aurora Australis.

The two Aurorae are strongest in an oval centred in their respective magnetic poles. 

The aurorae usually go up to 100 kilometres to 300 kilometres high, but have been known to reach heights of 500 kilometres, and go as low as 80 kilometres.

 

AURORA BOREALIS

AURORA AUSTRALIS

HOW?

 

In a few words, charged particles radiating outward from the sun enter the earth's magnetic field and in get excited, which leads to their collision with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the atmosphere. This results in a display of light in the sky with unusual and distinct colours, easily visible from regions close to the pole.

WHAT CAN BE SEEN?

The visual effect is sheets and curtains of light floating in the night sky, with varying colours at different locations. The GREENS and REDS come from excited Oxygen atoms, while Nitrogen atoms make up the PINK, BLUE and VIOLET shades.

WHEN?

On an yearly basis, the Northern lights are at their peak in March and September, and are subject to seasonal changes throughout the year.  The Southern lights can be spotted from Tasmania, all year round, but can best be seen in September and March too.