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Aurora borealis. Luminous
atmospheric phenomenon occurring most frequently above 60° North or South latitude, but
also in other parts of the world. |
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It is named specifically, according to its location, aurora borealis
(northern lights) or aurora australis (southern lights). The term aurora polaris (polar
lights) is a general name for both. |
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Every time Aurora
Borealis moves over
the North Pole,
it is answered on
the South Pole! |
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The aurora
consists of rapidly shifting patches and dancing columns of light of various hues. Studies
made during and after the 1957-58 International Geophysical Year
indicate that the auroral glow is triggered when the solar wind (Solar System) is enhanced
by an influx of high-energy atomic particles emanating from sunspots. It only takes these
particles two days to reach Earth. They travel with a speed of two million miles per hour
(3 million km/h), but only some of the particles enter Earths atmosphere. The
Earth is surrounded by a giant invisible magnetic field generated by molten metals in the
planets interior. When some of the particles penetrate this field they collide with
gases in the upper layers of the Earths atmosphere and produce a visible light -
aurora borealis.The best months to view aurora borealis are September and March.
Aurora
borealis has inspired countless wonderful stories and legends...
Ancient Inuit believed that the
northern lights, or aurora borealis, were the torches of spirits guiding souls to a land
of happiness and plenty.
The Greenlandic name for northern light
is "arsarnirit" which means "play with a ball". They believed that the
northern lights were caused by the souls of the dead playing ball with walrus skulls.
According to the legend, if you whistled at the northern light, they came closer before
they finally made off with you.
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