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[June Free Report] Beauty of Auroras |
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by Cheryl Chong Yee Ting | 16-07-2023 10:32
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Auroras, also known as the northern lights (aurora borealis) in the northern hemisphere and the southern lights (aurora australis) in the southern hemisphere, are captivating natural light displays that occur in the Earth's polar regions. These mesmerizing phenomena have fascinated humans for centuries, inspiring awe and wonder. Countries further from the Earth's poles are not able to see these beautiful phenomena, but it does not stop visitors and tourists from travelling thousands of miles to catch a glance of an Aurora.  Auroras are the result of interactions between the Earth's magnetic field and charged particles from the Sun. When the Sun emits a burst of energetic particles, known as the solar wind, they travel toward the Earth. The Earth's magnetic field deflects most of these particles, but some can penetrate the magnetic field near the poles. 1.png) As the charged particles from the Sun enter the Earth's atmosphere, they collide with atoms and molecules, primarily oxygen and nitrogen. These collisions cause the atoms and molecules to become excited, meaning their electrons move to higher energy levels. When the electrons return to their original energy levels, they release photons of light, creating the colorful displays of an aurora. .png) The colors of an aurora depend on the type of gas particles involved in the collisions and their altitude. Oxygen atoms typically produce green and red light, while nitrogen molecules contribute to blue and purple hues. The specific colors observed during an aurora depend on the altitude at which the collisions occur and the energy of the particles involved.  Auroras are predominantly seen near the Earth's polar regions due to the shape of the Earth's magnetic field. In the northern hemisphere, the aurora borealis is typically visible from high-latitude regions, such as Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, and parts of Russia. The aurora australis can be observed in the southern hemisphere from locations like Antarctica, New Zealand, and southern parts of South America. 1.jpeg) The frequency and intensity of auroras are closely linked to solar activity, particularly solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). During periods of high solar activity, the Sun releases larger amounts of charged particles, increasing the chances of more frequent and vibrant auroral displays. Scientists monitor the Sun's activity to predict when auroras may occur, providing opportunities for people to witness these stunning phenomena.  Throughout history, auroras have held cultural and spiritual significance for various societies. Indigenous cultures in the polar regions often have myths and legends associated with the lights, attributing them to the presence of spirits or celestial beings. Today, auroras continue to be a source of inspiration for artists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, drawing people from around the world to witness their beauty. .png) In summary, auroras are the result of interactions between charged particles from the Sun and the Earth's magnetic field. These interactions create vibrant displays of light in the polar regions, captivating observers and reminding us of the beauty and complexity of our planet and its relationship with the Sun. |
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Former E-gen Ambassador
Cheryl Chong Yee Ting
Previous : [July Theme Report] The Climat...
2 Comments
Hello again Cheryl! This is your mentor Yewon.
In this report, you have written about auroras!
Personally, one of my bucket lists is to see auroras, and I believe this phenomenon will be so beautiful!
Through reading your report, I'm sure that many readers would be get to know the beauty of auroras too!
Thank you for your meaningful report! Great job!
Posted 28-08-2023 10:23
Hello Cheryl! This is your mentor James.
What a beautiful report written about a beautiful natural phenomenon that we nourish today! You've explained the scientific causes of the display of auroras and its cultural meaning. Just like the colorful flames we see when we use various metals, auroras obtain their unique colors from various gas species, as you've mentioned above!
Thank you for your fantastic work! Let's keep it up with your next report as well.
Posted 31-07-2023 18:47