Did You Know: the Northern Lights?

 by Nathaniel G

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The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are caused when solar particles collide with the Earth's atmosphere. These particles then react with oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth's atmosphere, and make light displays.

The colours of the display are influenced by the type of gas involved (oxygen or nitrogen).  The most common colour is green.  

Last weekend saw a rare display of the Northern Lights across the UK and Europe after one of the strongest geomagnetic storms for years hit Earth, with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issuing a rare solar storm warning.

The extreme geomagnetic storm that happened on Friday was classed as the highest G5.

Storms of this scale could potentially impact infrastructure, including satellites and the power grid, the NOAA warned. The last big G5 storm caused a power outage in Sweden.

The sun’s ‘sunspots’ are like huge volcanos erupting charged particles in Coronal Mass Ejections (CME’s). With more of these CME’s at the moment, there’s a greater chance of more frequent and strong auroral activity.

It is possible that the first description of the Northern Lights come from Aristotle in 343 BC, when he wrote about "jumping goats" in the sky.

Astronauts can see the Northern Lights from space.

Scientists have proven how other planets, like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, also experience the Northern Lights.  

The Vikings believed the lights were the shining armour of the Valkyries who were warrior women.

Indigenous people of both Norway and North America believe the lights are the spirits of their relatives who have died.  They think it is wrong to sing or whistle when the lights are shining, as this is disrespectful to the dead.

The Inuit people of Alaska believe the lights are  spirits of animals they hunt: seals, salmon, and deer.

Dogs often look at the sky and bark during a display of the Northern Lights.  

Gray whales strand on beaches more often after a display of the Northern Lights.  Scientists think that the release of particles in the atmosphere influences magnetic fields, which the whales typically use to navigate.  

Northern Lights is a novel by Philip Pullman. It is the first book from his trilogy, His Dark Materials.

The Northern Lights Pizza Restaurant in Skagway, Alaska looks great. Imagine having a delicious pepperoni pizza, while you watch an amazing light display above you.