Tag Archives: Aurora

An Ambitious Journey to Illuminate the Sky with Man-Made Aurora Borealis

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Juan Maria Coy Vergara/Getty Images

Karl Remström made his way down the mountain, feeling frozen and drained. It had taken him four hours to summit, followed by hours spent thawing out and fixing his gear. The trek home took another four challenging hours through the snow, a routine he repeated nearly every day for almost a month. But he was determined, undeterred by the frigid temperatures.

Upon returning to the small shelter he fashioned from branches at the mountain’s base, Remström checked his instruments and waited. Immediately, the galvanometer’s needle moved. He noted his findings and stepped outside to witness a massive beam of light reaching from the mountaintop into the sky.

It was December 29, 1882, and Remström was in northern Lapland, attempting to validate his theory regarding the origins of the aurora borealis. Few believed him then, but his findings would soon change that. He was convinced he had generated an artificial replica of the Northern Lights.

Lemström, a Finnish physicist, had become captivated by the aurora at the age of 30. While a postdoctoral researcher in Sweden in 1868, he participated in a scientific expedition to Svalbard, Norway—deep within the Arctic Circle. Although from southern Finland and having witnessed the aurora before, this marked his first experience with such a display at this latitude, and he was completely enthralled.

During that period, the cause of the aurora remained a mystery, spurring heated scientific discourse. Many of Remström’s contemporaries sought ways to create miniature simulations, with some achieving success. For instance, Swiss physicist Auguste de la Rive showcased in 1860 that a jet of violet light could be produced within a vacuum-sealed glass tube. He asserted it faithfully duplicated the phenomena of the Northern Lights, regardless of the primary color actually being green.

Two primary theories circulated about the nature of the Northern Lights. Some believed they stemmed from meteorite dust drawn by the Earth’s magnetic field, burning up in the atmosphere. Others theorized they were some form of electromagnetic occurrence, though the specifics remained hazy.

Lemström sided with Team Electromagnetics, positing that aurora borealis formed when electrical currents in the atmosphere flowed into cooler mountain peaks. Many researchers dismissed him as misguided or eccentric. Fiona Amery, a science historian at Cambridge University, stumbled upon Lemström’s nearly forgotten paper while researching auroral science of the 19th century.

Lemström was fueled to prove his detractors wrong. Instead of relying on small-scale simulations, he aimed to manifest a full-scale aurora in its natural environment: the frigid Lapland mountains.

By 1871, he held a lecturer position at what is now the University of Helsinki. He convinced the Finnish Scientific Association to back him in an expedition to Finnish Lapland’s Inari region, where he set up his device on Luosmavaara mountain on November 22 of the same year. His apparatus comprised a two-square-meter copper wire spiral secured over a two-meter high steel column, with metal rods pointing skyward connected to it. A copper wire route extended four kilometers down the mountain, linking to a galvanometer for current measurement and a metal plate for grounding. This intricate mechanism was designed to transmit and amplify electrical currents Lemström firmly believed were descending from the atmosphere, thus creating the aurora borealis.

Karl Lemström’s watercolor of the Olantunturi mountaintop experiment.

Finnish Cultural Heritage Agency

According to Amery, Remström likened the aurora borealis to lightning, suggesting that his device functioned similarly to a lightning rod. “He described lightning as sudden, while the aurora was gradual and spread out. He believed he could capture the aurora much like he could attract lightning.”

That evening, following his strenuous climb, Remström spotted a beam of light above the summit, and upon analyzing its spectrum, he discerned it matched the distinct yellow-green wavelength characteristic of the aurora borealis. He was certain he had evoked the Northern Lights. Unfortunately, no one acknowledged his findings due to the absence of photographic proof or independent witnesses. “He was regarded as quite obscure,” Amélie states.

This would have remained the case were it not for a fortunate turn of events. In 1879, the newly formed International Polar Commission announced plans for an International Polar Year—a year-long scientific initiative in the Arctic. “Suddenly, he could secure funding for aurora research,” Amélie says, “and he found himself in the right place at the right time.”

Arctic Mission

Recognizing the opportunity, Remström attended a planning conference in St. Petersburg, campaigning for the establishment of a meteorological observatory in Lapland. The committee approved, and Lemström opted for a site near the small Finnish town of Sodankyla. The Finnish Meteorological Observatory was founded in September 1882, with Lemström appointed as its first director.

He immediately sought a location to resume his aurora experiments, eventually settling on Olantunturi mountain, roughly 20 kilometers from the observatory. In early December, with a mere three hours of daylight and average temperatures around -30°C (-22°F), he and three helpers trekked to the summit and assembled a larger version of his previous device, spanning approximately 900 square meters.

The conditions were severe. Lemström later noted that it took four hours to reach the observatory from the summit, after which he needed to thaw out and frequently fix the wires, which crumbled under the weight of frost. He could work only a few minutes before his hands became numb, and this apparatus, too, operated briefly before freezing up again.

However, the effort proved worthwhile. Once the device was operational on December 5, Remström and his assistants witnessed a “yellow-white light surrounding the mountaintop; contrarily, no such brightness was found in the vicinity.” Spectroscopic analysis indicated the light matched the natural aurora’s properties.

Over the following weeks, similar occurrences transpired nearly every night. The most breathtaking display occurred on December 29, when a beam of light ascended 134 meters skyward. Lacking photographs, Remström resorted to creating drawings. His watercolor depicted a radiant beam surging to the mountain’s peak. He also erected two smaller aurora conductors on another mountain, Pieterintonturi, claiming to have observed comparable phenomena there.

Lemström was finally ready to share his triumph with the world. He sent a telegram to the Finnish Academy of Sciences, which gained widespread attention. The journal Nature published three detailed accounts in its May and June 1883 issue, where Remström proclaimed that “experiments… unmistakably demonstrate that the aurora is an electrical phenomenon.”

Painting of physicist Karl Lemström, who endeavored to recreate the aurora borealis.

Public Domain

If he anticipated universal acclaim, he was gravely mistaken. Although his endeavors captured media attention, few colleagues concurred with his claims of having instigated the aurora borealis. “Some speculated he might have generated other intriguing electrical phenomena, such as St. Elmo’s fire or zodiacal lights,” Amery notes. “Others suggested it resembled an odd type of lightning more akin to ball lightning, and there were those who believed he may have fabricated it altogether.”

In early 1884, Danish aurora expert Sophus Tromholt attempted to replicate Remström’s experiment on Mount Esja in Iceland, but his device registered “no signs of life whatsoever.” A subsequent replication effort in the French Pyrenees in 1885 also faltered, except for civil engineer Célestin-Xavier Vossena, who narrowly escaped electrocution.

Unfazed, Lemström boldly asserted to have recreated the aurora again in late 1884, this time employing sturdier wires and adding a mechanism to inject electricity into the circuit, believing it would boost its energy. Nature published another report detailing these findings, yet Lemström’s zeal for working in extreme conditions began to wane, leading him to pursue new ventures (his next project involved using electricity to enhance crop growth). He passed away in 1904, still resolute in his conviction that he had generated the aurora borealis.

However, he did not. His hypothesis was flawed. Auroras arise from charged particles entering Earth’s atmosphere from space, rather than emanating from the ground. Still, Amery suggests he might have created something significant. “I suspect it could have been St. Elmo’s Fire, a form of luminous discharge,” she notes. “That’s my prevailing theory.” However, she also observes, “Perhaps there was a hint of wishful thinking.” The reality remains elusive, and we may never know—unless someone is inspired to construct a vast array of copper wire atop a frigid mountain during the Arctic winter.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Tamisa Skov, Space Weather Expert, Discusses the Unusual Aurora Phenomenon in This Solar Cycle

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Unexpectedly bright aurora illuminated the British skies in 2024

John Hayward/SWNS

If you have an interest in the Aurora Borealis, you’re in for a treat. Last year was a spectacular one, as auroras dazzled observers worldwide, even being visible far south with remarkable brightness. With a peak in solar activity, more stunning displays are anticipated, potentially leading to extreme geomagnetic storms. To grasp the phenomena behind these celestial light shows, one must look to the fiery depths of the sun.

Comprehending the sun’s workings is crucial to explaining various phenomena occurring in the Earth’s atmosphere and the solar system, not limited to auroras. Space Weather Physicist Tamitha Skov has been instrumental in enhancing our understanding of the sun’s mysterious operations through auroras and space weather forecasts on television and social media.

Skov discussed with New Scientist the reasons for the extreme auroras we’re witnessing and the increased frequency of space weather events. She noted that high-energy particles emitted by the sun present real risks to astronauts and spacecraft venturing beyond the protections of Earth’s magnetosphere. Scientists are continually searching for better prediction methods for these potential hazards. “Good sailors know to heed the weather; the same applies to space,” she remarked.

Alex Wilkins: What inspired you to study the sun and space weather?

Tamitha Skov: The sun is an incredibly captivating entity, maintaining its integrity for billions of years. However, my primary fascination comes from our connection to our planet. As a longtime admirer of Carl Sagan, I recall his words: “We are all made of star stuff,” which frames my curiosity about our origins and the elements that compose us.

Initially, I rekindled my interest in solar phenomena from a physical perspective, which shifted my focus to space weather. At that time, we were only beginning to understand that solar activity impacts Earth, making this area of research incredibly engaging. I’ve become absorbed in exploring the unseen electric and magnetic fields that influence the dynamics of the sun and the universe.

Recently, we’ve observed a rise in auroras, largely due to heightened solar activity. What’s happening with the sun?

We are experiencing a solar cycle. The sun goes through several cycles, with the dominant one being the Schwabe cycle, which lasts about eleven years. During the low phase, the sun is relatively quiet, resembling a hibernating bear before awakening to produce an array of solar activity.

This phenomenon is characterized by the sun’s magnetic field reversing. Imagine a lava lamp—when it’s off, the liquid remains still, showcasing a calm and orderly state. However, once activated, bubbles rise, creating a chaotic fusion of materials. This defines our sun’s state during its peak activity, when magnetic fields become disconnected, resulting in massive energy releases. Such instability breeds numerous solar eruptions as the sun reorganizes its magnetic field.

Tamitha Skov notes the recent surge in solar activity marks a return to normalcy

ng images/aramie

Are we witnessing a different phenomenon compared to prior solar cycles, given the auroras are now appearing much farther south?

To a degree, yes. It seems like various factors have come together to create an intriguing moment in time. After two solar cycles characterized by quiet activity and advancements in technology since the 1990s, we now have social media to share auroral experiences globally. Previously, during significant storms, there were no sensitive cameras available to capture these events.

In the current solar cycle, we are hitting G4 and G5 levels of storms—among the most extreme—and the availability of modern cameras enhances our ability to witness auroras, even from less vibrant displays. This may create an illusion that auroras have never appeared in the past, but science tells us they have been frequent, just not documented.

Furthermore, the Earth’s magnetic field is changing, altering the position of the auroras as particles penetrate deeper due to its weakening, which naturally slows the stirring in the Earth’s core.

Does the increased auroral activity indicate the sun is at its peak in this solar cycle?

As we reach the climax of this solar cycle, the observations lead many to believe the sun is behaving unusually. However, this notion simplifies what we’ve come to know; the previous cycles (24 and 23) were indeed the anomalies. Currently, our sun is displaying a behavior consistent with its historical patterns.

We’re now experiencing what constitutes an average cycle, not particularly intense. Previous cycles have exhibited even more activity than this one, making the notion of a prolonged inactive phase the true anomaly.

How concerned should we be about solar eruptions surpassing the intensity of the Carrington event of 1859, which resulted in widespread disruptions?

We’ve enhanced our knowledge about these events and their impacts on our infrastructure, accompanied by improved warning systems. The power grid remains a significant concern. During such storms, the Earth’s magnetic field generates strong fluctuations, creating currents similar to traffic jams in highways. When these currents encounter grounded power lines, it can overload systems that were not designed for such energy spikes.

To mitigate risks during storms, we can temporarily disconnect transformers from the ground. While this tactic carries potential dangers, it can be safer than leaving the grid fully connected. Some of these methods were validated during a G5 storm in May 2024, yielding promising results despite minor issues.

Our attention is also shifting towards GPS and navigation systems, particularly after storms during planting season last October created headaches for precision agriculture, notably impacting peanut farmers reliant on accurate geographical data. Rapidly deploying new technologies becomes crucial to address impending challenges.

Solar activity at its peak leads to the release of charged particles

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center/SDO

These challenges apply to Earth, but how do they differ for spacecraft and astronauts bound for the moon or Mars?

Our atmosphere provides crucial protection that is absent on other celestial bodies. When viewing photos of the sun from the ground, one sees merely a bright orb because our atmosphere absorbs harmful radiant energy. This energy can cause radiation sickness if it reaches the surface. However, on a lunar body devoid of atmosphere, astronauts must shield themselves from radiation storms—high-energy particles unleashed from the sun. Researchers are exploring protective measures, such as constructing deep lunar bases and creating artificial magnetic fields.

Astronauts are already exposed to radiation during low Earth orbit missions, but exposure increases significantly on the moon.

Space weather has been remarkably fortunate historically. During the Apollo era in 1972, there was a severe particle radiation storm that could have been fatal for astronauts on the moon. Prolonged exposure to such radiation might have been lethal while confined in spacesuits. If that incident had unfolded differently, it would have dramatically altered the course of space exploration. Even today, these threats often go unnoticed.

While Mars possesses a weak atmosphere, radiation storms can still reach its surface. Thus, astronauts can’t just hide behind surface features; instead, they must live underground, introducing various complications to missions.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Junho Observes Unusual Plasma Waves in Jupiter’s Aurora

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Planetary researchers, utilizing data from NASA’s Juno spacecraft, have identified a novel type of plasma wave in the Aurora Zone above Jupiter’s North Pole.

This image merges observations from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope with optical images and ultraviolet observations of Jovian Aurora. Image credit: NASA/ESA.

“While the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has supplied some infrared images of the Aurora, Juno is unique as the first spacecraft to take a polar orbit around Jupiter,” stated Dr. Ali Suleiman from the University of Minnesota.

“The regions surrounding a magnetized planet like Jupiter are filled with plasma, a superheated state where atoms dissociate into electrons and ions.”

“These particles are propelled towards the planet’s atmosphere, causing the gas to illuminate as auroras.”

“On Earth, this phenomenon manifests as the recognizable green and blue lights.”

“However, Jupiter’s auroras are generally not visible to the naked eye and require UV and infrared instruments for observation.”

The research team discovered that the polar plasma density on Jupiter is so low, in combination with its strong magnetic field, that the plasma waves exhibit very low frequencies, unlike those observed around Earth.

“Plasma behaves like a liquid but is influenced by both its own magnetic field and external fields,” remarked Professor Robert Rysack from the University of Minnesota.

“Our study also sheds light on how particles inundate the polar regions, in contrast to Earth, where Jupiter’s intricate magnetic fields give rise to auroras arranged in a donut-like pattern around the poles.”

“As Juno advances its mission to further investigate this new phenomenon, we aim to collect additional data.”

The team’s findings were published in the journal on July 16th, 2025, in Physical Review Letters.

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R. Lysak et al. 2025. A new plasma regime in Jupiter’s Aurora Zone. Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 035201; doi:10.1103/fn63-qmb7

Source: www.sci.news

Patience Unveils the Aurora at Visible Wavelengths on Mars

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Mars exhibits various aurora processes despite its thin atmosphere and absence of global magnetic fields. Previously, all aurora observations have been conducted in ultraviolet wavelengths from orbit. In a recent study, planetary scientists reported the observation of a green visible wavelength aurora, generated from the atomic oxygen line at 557.7 nanometers (nm), detected by NASA’s Perseverance rover using the Supercam and Mastcam-Z instruments.

The first visible image of the green aurora on Mars (left) taken by the NASA Perseverance rover’s Mastcam-Z instrument. On the right is a comparison image of the night sky on Mars without aurora, featuring the Moon Deimos on Mars. The moonlit Mars night sky, primarily illuminated by the larger moon Phobos (outside the frame), has a reddish-brown tint due to atmospheric dust. Consequently, the addition of green aurora light results in a green-yellow tone in the left image. Image credits: NASA/JPL-CALTECH/ASU/MSSS/SSI.

On Earth, auroras occur when solar particles interact with the magnetic field, colliding with atmospheric gases at the poles and emitting light.

Green, the most frequently observed color, results from excited oxygen atoms emitting light at a wavelength of 557.7 nm.

Researchers have theorized for years that green auroras could also manifest on Mars, but noted they would likely be more diffuse and harder to capture than those on Earth.

Due to the absence of a global magnetic field, Mars experiences a distinct type of aurora compared to Earth.

One such type is the Solar Energy Particle (SEP) Aurorae, identified by NASA’s Maven mission in 2014.

These auroras occur when high-energy particles from the sun impact the Martian atmosphere, leading to a luminous display in the night sky.

“Our findings open up new avenues for aurora research and affirm that future astronauts on Mars could witness these phenomena,” stated Dr. Ellis Knutsen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oslo.

On March 15, 2024, the Sun’s solar flare production and the accompanying coronal mass ejection prompted auroras across the solar system, including Mars, with Perseverance capturing them for the first time from another planet’s surface.

Dr. Knutsen and his team utilized data from SEP instruments on NASA’s Maven spacecraft and ESA’s Mars Express spacecraft to verify the detection.

“They’re actively tracking this,” remarked Dr. Shannon Curry, a researcher at Maven and at the Institute of Atmospheric Astronomy at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

“We are thrilled to rapidly advance this observation and look forward to revealing what astronauts might see there.”

By correlating Perseverance’s observations with data from Maven’s SEP instrument, researchers can better analyze the detected 557.7 nm radiation from solar energy particles.

This emission line is identical to the green aurora on Earth, implying that future Mars astronauts may witness this type of aurora.

“The visibility of auroras from Perseverance enables new methods to study these phenomena, complementing orbital observations of Mars,” noted Dr. Katie Stack Morgan, the project scientist for Perseverance at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“A deeper understanding of auroras and the conditions on Mars that facilitate their formation is crucial for preparing to send human explorers there safely.”

The team’s study was published in the journal Advances in Science.

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Elise W. Knutsen et al. 2025. Detection of the visible wavelength aurora on Mars. Advances in Science 11 (20); doi:10.1126/sciadv.ads1563

Source: www.sci.news

Discovering Aurora on Neptune for the First Time with NASA’s Webb Telescope

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The Northern and Southern Lights Vermillion, Amethyst, and Jade Ribbons are some of the most distinctive features of the Earth. However, our planet has no monopoly of the Aurora. Scientists spy on them throughout the solar system, weaving the Martian sky into Saturn, Jupiter and even some of Jupiter’s fiery softening.

The light shines in the sky Uranus too. However, the aurora around Neptune, the farthest planet of our Sun, has long escaped astronomers.

That was changed by the powerful infrared equipment installed in the James Webb Space Telescope. In a study published in the journal on Wednesday Natural Astronomy scientists reveal unique auroras spilling on either side of Neptune’s equator. This contrasts with the sparkling Gossamers, arcing at Poles in other worlds.

Astronomers are excited that the Aurora Hunting Quest has been completed over decades. “Everyone is very excited to prove it’s there, as we thought,” he said. Rosie Johnson an astrophysics researcher at Aberystwyth University in Wales who was not involved in new research.

The discovery allows scientists to study previously out-of-reach aspects of Neptune. “They use the aurora to understand the shape of the magnetic field on planets looking at the invisible,” he said. Karl Schmidt Boston University planetary astronomers were not involved in new research.

Each world produces aurora differently, but it is basically the same. Energy particles (often from the sun, but sometimes from the eruption of a lunar volcano) hit the atmosphere and bounce back the gas. The collision of the particles causes a temporary flash of light. And if there is a magnetic field in the world, it will guide the position…

Luckily, the Webb Telescope, released in 2021, came to rescue.

Heidi Hammel Another astronomer of the University Association for Astronomical Studies and the author of the research, has been studying Neptune since the 1980s. She said that if Webb “is powerful enough to see the early galaxies of the universe, it would be strong enough to see something like Neptune’s Aurorae.” “And by Golly, that was the case.”

Using the telescope’s near-infrared spectrometer, astronomers captured Neptune’s infrared aurora in June 2023. This is because Neptune has an unstable magnetic field tilted to 47 degrees from the planet’s spin axis.

New Webb observations also reveal why Neptune’s Auroras has never been visible until now. Almost 40 years ago, Voyager 2 recorded a temperature of about 900 degrees Fahrenheit in the Neptune’s upper atmosphere. However, the Webb telescope shows that the temperature has dropped nearly 200 degrees. This low temperature means that the aurora is a dimmer.

In fact, Neptune’s Aurora said, “It’s less than 1% of the expected brightness and explains why I’ve never seen it before.” James O’Donohew a planetary astronomer at the UK’s Reading University and one of the authors of the study. “But that means we have a new mystery in our hands now. How did Neptune get so cold?”

Neptune’s Strange Light Show detection may bring your answers closer.

“The Aurora is like a TV screen,” he said. Lee Fletcher a planetary scientist at the University of Leicester in the UK and one of the authors of the study. They said, “We are able to see the delicate dance of the magnetosphere processes.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Our first encounter with Aurora on Neptune

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Green spots show where the aurora brightens the sky in Neptune

NASA, ESA, CSA, STSCI, Heidi Hammel (Aura), Henrik Melin (Northumbria University), Leigh Fletcher (University of Leicester), Stefanie Milam (NASA-GSFC)

For the first time, researchers discovered infrared aurora swirling in Neptune’s atmosphere, examining decades of scientific speculation.

When NASA’s Voyager 2 mission was flew by Neptune in 1989, I found an appetizing hint of aurora activity in the clouds of Ice Giant. However, scientists were unable to verify the phenomenon at the time because existing equipment was too weak. Now, James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has finally provided the power to detect them.

“This really was a fulfillment of long-standing expectations.” Heidi Hammel Washington, DC, Astronomical Research Association.

Hammel and her colleagues used NirSpec from JWST, a powerful infrared imaging tool, to capture spectral images of Neptune and analyze light at various wavelengths emitted by the planet. In 2023, researchers used musical instruments to detect Uranus’ infrared aurora. This time I found it on Neptune too.

The images allowed Hammel and her team to begin building a map of Neptune’s magnetic field. This is particularly exciting as the planet is known to have some of the rarest magnetic poles in the solar system.

Unlike Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn, Neptune’s magnetic poles are not at the center of their rotating poles. Instead, “they are offset by almost half the planet’s radius,” says Hammel. As a result, the aurora appears as an irregular mass far closer to the equator.

In addition to detection of Auroras, observations of JWST showed that the ionosphere of Neptune, a layer of charged particles that covers several planets, was cooled. Now, on average, it’s about 10% colder than when the Voyager 2 passed 34 years ago. A similar change was detected on Uranus.

The authors of the new study are unclear why this cooling occurred, but they hope that the upcoming JWST observation period, scheduled for 2026, will provide more clues.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists successfully capture the first-ever 2D spectral image of the aurora

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Scientists in Japan have captured full-spectrum, two-dimensional (2D) auroral images using a newly developed Hyperspectral Camera for Auroral Imaging (HySCAI).

(a) All-sky camera and (b) HySCAI keograms, and (c) time evolution of the spatially averaged spectrum of auroral emission measured by HySCAI on October 20-21, 2023. Image courtesy of Yoshinuma others., doi: 10.1186/s40623-024-02039-y.

The aurora is a natural optical phenomenon caused by the interaction of precipitation particles with components of the upper atmosphere.

The majority of the observed spectrum consists of lines or bands of neutral and ionized nitrogen and oxygen atoms.

The aurora comes in a variety of distinctive colors, including green and red, but there are multiple theories about how the different auroras emit light, and understanding their colors requires breaking down the light.

To study the auroral radiation processes and colors in detail, comprehensive (temporal and spatial) spectral observations are required.

“We have observed light being emitted from plasma within the magnetic field of the Large Helical Device (LHD),” said Dr. Katsumi Ida of the National Institute for Fusion Science in Japan and his colleagues.

“Various systems have been developed to measure the spectrum of light emitted from plasmas, and the processes of energy transport and the emission of atoms and molecules have been studied.”

“By applying this technology and knowledge to auroral observations, we can contribute to our understanding of auroral luminescence and to research into the electron energy generation process that produces auroral luminescence.”

The newly developed camera, HySCAI, consists of an all-sky lens, a monitor camera, a galvanometer scanner, a grating spectrometer, and an electron-multiplying charge-coupled device.

“Aurora observations use optical filters to capture images of specific colors, but this has the drawback of limited wavelengths and low resolution,” the researchers said.

“On the other hand, hyperspectral cameras have the advantage of being able to obtain the spatial distribution of the spectrum with high wavelength resolution.”

“In 2018, we started a project to develop a high-sensitivity hyperspectral camera by combining an image sweeping optical system using a galvanometer mirror with the EMCCD camera and lens spectrometer used in the LHD.”

“It took five years of planning to develop a system with the sensitivity to measure auroras down to 1kR (1 kiloraylei).”

“The system was installed in May 2023 at the Swedish Space Corporation's Esrange Space Centre in Kiruna, Sweden, which is located directly below the auroral zone and where auroras can be observed frequently.”

“The system successfully captured hyperspectral images of the aurora, i.e. two-dimensional images resolved by wavelength.”

Team work Published in the journal Earth, planets, space.

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Masayuki Yoshinuma others2024: Development of a hyperspectral camera for photographing the aurora (HySCAI). Earth Planet Space 76, 96; doi: 10.1186/s40623-024-02039-y

Source: www.sci.news

Summer Northern Lights Viewing Guide: How to Witness the Spectacular Aurora Tonight

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Occasionally, you may have the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights from your home in the UK or US. Tonight (Wednesday, July 24) presents a moderate chance of seeing these mesmerizing lights.

Typically, the Northern Lights are only visible in countries like Canada, Russia, and Sweden, but they have been spotted from as far as Penzance in Cornwall earlier this year.

While it’s rare for the lights to reach Cornwall, seeing the Northern Lights from the UK is not uncommon, although it requires a severe geomagnetic storm, which is a rare occurrence.

When can I see the Aurora tonight?

The Space Weather Forecast suggests that a solar storm may hit the Earth this week, potentially making the Northern Lights visible in parts of the UK on Wednesday, July 24.

Unfortunately, the Northern Lights can only be seen in certain parts of the UK, such as the north of England and Northern Ireland.

In the United States, it may be visible across several northern and upper Midwestern states from New York to Idaho.

However, due to the season, the window for viewing the Northern Lights is limited.

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How to increase your chances of seeing the Aurora

To enhance your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights, it is advisable to move away from urban areas with clear skies and minimal light pollution.

Locate a north-facing shoreline for the best viewing experience with fewer obstructions and less light pollution.

What Causes the Northern Lights?

The Aurora Borealis occurs when high-energy particles from the Sun collide with lower-energy particles in the Earth’s atmosphere.

Geomagnetic storms can push the Aurora further south, making them visible in regions where they are not usually seen.

These storms are more likely to occur during the waning stages of a solar cycle, when coronal holes generate high-speed solar wind that disrupts Earth’s magnetic field.

Why do the auroras have different colors?

The color of the Northern Lights can vary based on the atoms in Earth’s atmosphere reacting with the Sun’s energy.

Green auroras are produced by high-altitude oxygen atoms, while blue, yellow, or red auroras indicate lower-altitude oxygen or nitrogen atoms colliding with solar particles.

What does “Aurora” mean?

The term “Aurora Borealis” roughly translates to “North Wind Dawn” and is a nickname for the Northern Lights. Boreas is the god of the north wind in ancient Greek mythology.

The Southern Lights are also known as “Aurora Australis”, translating to “southern wind dawn”. These lights can be influenced by geomagnetic storms and have been seen in locations like New Zealand and Australia.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Research indicates that the Aurora Borealis may soon jeopardize our power infrastructure

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Seeing the Northern Lights is a dream for many, and the recent intense geomagnetic storm in May provided that opportunity for some. However, scientists are becoming increasingly concerned about the threat these natural light displays pose to modern infrastructure.

New research has revealed a connection between the Northern Lights and strong electrical currents known as geomagnetically induced currents (GICs), which can cause damage to critical infrastructure like pipelines and undersea cables.

Researchers have found that the angle at which an interplanetary shock wave hits Earth’s magnetic field plays a crucial role in determining the strength of these currents.

“Auroras and GICs are linked through the same space weather phenomenon,” explained Dr. Denny Oliveira, a researcher at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. He emphasized that the aurora is a visual indication of the potential generation of GICs on the ground.

When solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, geomagnetic storms are created, leading to the formation of the aurora. Interplanetary shock waves, arising from the Sun’s solar wind, also contribute to this process.

Interplanetary shock waves are formed similar to the sonic boom of a jet plane breaking the sound barrier. These shock waves compress Earth’s magnetic field and can generate powerful electrical currents that pose a threat to infrastructure conducting electricity.

Mitigating measures are crucial to protecting vulnerable infrastructure from the impact of interplanetary shock waves, as demonstrated by the severe power outage in Canada in 1989 following a geomagnetic storm. Oliveira emphasized the importance of monitoring and managing electrical circuits to prevent equipment damage.

Further research is needed to safeguard critical infrastructure from the strongest shock waves Earth encounters, Oliveira concluded.

About our experts

Denny Oliveira is an astrophysicist at the NASA Goddard Institute for Astrophysics, PHaSER/UMBC. His research focuses on interplanetary shock waves and their impact on plasma processes in space.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Possible discovery of extraterrestrial aurora on a neighboring collapsed star

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Brown dwarfs, often referred to as “failed stars,” are a fascinating type of celestial object. They are too large to be considered planets, yet too small to undergo the fusion process necessary to become fully-fledged stars.

One such brown dwarf, named WISEP J193518.59–154620.3 (or W1935 for short), is believed to be observable from Earth, especially towards the north and south poles. Astronomers suspect that it may exhibit an aurora similar to the mesmerizing aurora borealis, but on a much brighter scale.

Research featured in the journal Nature utilized NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to study W1935. This brown dwarf is relatively close to us in the galaxy, approximately 47 light-years away from Earth.

Upon pointing a space telescope the size of a tennis court towards the brown dwarf, researchers noticed a peculiar glow emanating from it.

“We were expecting to detect methane as it’s abundant in these brown dwarfs. However, instead of absorbing light, we found methane emitting light,” stated Dr. Jackie Faherty, the lead author of the study. “My initial reaction was, ‘What’s going on? Why is this object emitting methane?'”

Co-author Dr. Ben Burningham mentioned to BBC Science Focus that in the search for alien auroras in objects like W1935, astronomers traditionally focused on emissions from other gases found higher up in the object’s atmosphere.

“Methane emissions were not anticipated to be significant, but now it appears to be a significant factor,” he added.

Computer modeling of W1935 to elucidate the unusual methane emissions revealed a surprising temperature inversion, where the atmosphere gets warmer with increasing altitude. This phenomenon is common for planets orbiting stars but unexpected for an isolated object like W1935 without an apparent external heat source.

Further investigation led researchers to compare W1935 with Jupiter and Saturn from our solar system, which also exhibit methane emissions and temperature inversions.

The observed features in the solar system giants are attributed to auroras, luminous phenomena generated when energetic particles interact with the planet’s magnetic field and atmosphere.

Auroras are known to heat the upper atmosphere of planets, aligning with the researchers’ findings regarding W1935.

However, a missing element in the puzzle was the source of particles causing high-energy auroras in our solar system, which stem from the sun and travel as solar wind. Since W1935 is a rogue star without a host star, solar wind was ruled out as a possible explanation.

Scientists hypothesize that an undiscovered active satellite could be generating the alien aurora observed in W1935, akin to moons around Jupiter and Saturn that expel material into space enhancing the gas giants’ auroras.

“W1935 presents an intriguing expansion of solar system phenomena without any stellar illumination to clarify it,” Faherty remarked. “With Webb, we can delve into the chemistry and unravel the similarities or differences in auroral processes beyond our solar system.”

About our experts

Jackie Faherty is a senior scientist and education manager at the American Museum of Natural History, focusing on detecting and characterizing brown dwarfs and exoplanets. She advocates for increasing diversity in STEM fields through her unique outreach efforts.

Ben Burningham is an Associate Professor and Head of Outreach at the University of Hertfordshire, specializing in brown dwarfs, substellar objects, and superplanets. Burningham has contributed to research published in the Astrophysical Journal, Nature, and Astronomical Journal.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Tonight’s Aurora: A Guide to Seeing the Northern Lights in 2024

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Witnessing the Northern Lights at the North and South Poles is considered a rare and unforgettable experience for many individuals. However, you now have the opportunity to cross this off your bucket list as the Northern Lights might be visible in the skies over the US and UK tonight.

Yesterday, the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Space Weather Prediction Center issued a magnetic storm warning following a solar eruption that sent a stream of particles towards Earth, triggering the aurora borealis.

When Can You See the Aurora Borealis?

Scientists anticipate that the aurora will be visible from tonight (March 25) until early tomorrow (March 26), with optimal viewing between 11pm and 12am.

“Predicting the exact visibility of the aurora can be challenging due to rapidly changing conditions,” states Professor Don Polacco, a graduate from the Department of Physics at the University of Warwick. “However, one thing is certain: urban areas with bright lights are unlikely to provide a clear view. To observe the Northern Lights, you must venture into darker, rural settings and look towards the northern horizon (focus on the North Star).” Hence, being in the countryside away from city lights is recommended.

The prime viewing time typically falls during the darkest hours of the night, around 11pm to 12am. Nevertheless, as Polacco mentions, the appearance of the lights can be unpredictable, with avid observers possibly needing to wait until late at night for their glimpse.

The further north you venture in the Northern Hemisphere, the better your chances are of witnessing this celestial phenomenon. The same applies to individuals further south in the Southern Hemisphere.

According to astrophysicist Dr. Paul Strom, “The most effective way to see the Northern Lights is to subscribe to an alert service that keeps you informed about the activity.” For UK residents, he recommends utilizing aurora watch UK for updates.

If you intend to capture images of the aurora, Strom advises setting your camera to higher sensitivity (ISO) and securing it on a tripod to facilitate long exposure shots of a few seconds. Photography is encouraged.

Where Can You See the Northern Lights?

In the northern hemisphere, the aurora borealis can be observed across the United States, with sightings possible in states like Washington, Wisconsin, and New York. If the current geomagnetic storm maintains its strength, it might extend southwards to Northern California and Alabama.

In the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland stand a good chance of viewing the Northern Lights if the skies remain clear.

Conversely, in the southern hemisphere, the Japan Meteorological Agency Space Weather Forecast Center has alerted Australia about the possibility of aurora borealis (southern lights). Tasmanian residents, Victoria’s coastal regions, and the southwest coast of Western Australia are expected to experience the phenomenon.

Auroras tend to be visible near the Earth’s magnetic poles, in synchronization with the geographic location of the poles. Individuals located near the Arctic or Antarctic Circles can anticipate a dazzling display of lights.

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What Causes the Aurora Borealis?

The interaction of particles emanating from the sun with Earth’s strong magnetic field set off by its molten iron core results in the aurora borealis phenomenon.

“Auroras materialize when the Sun expels huge bubbles of magnetic gas into space,” remarked Dr. Darren Baskill, an astronomy lecturer at the University of Sussex, to BBC Science Focus. “Occasionally, these bubbles collide with Earth and its magnetic channels, prompting gas to flow towards the north and south poles, illuminating the sky with the enchanting lights of the aurora borealis.”

Baskill elucidated that the sun undergoes an 11-year cycle during which its magnetic field alternates between increasing and decreasing in intensity. Presently, we are approaching the pinnacle of this cycle, implying an elevated frequency of aurora borealis sightings over the next year as solar activity heightens.

This evening’s light display follows a recent solar flare, as Baskill delineated, “A solar eruption on Sunday, March 24, 2024, resulted in the release of a gas bubble (coronal mass ejection). “The solar wind carrying the gas is currently traveling at approximately 800 km/s and is expected to impact Earth from Monday night into Tuesday morning.”

Why Are the Aurora Borealis Different Colors?

The hues of the aurora borealis and australis are determined by the fusion of specific atoms in Earth’s atmosphere with solar particles.

When oxygen atoms at higher altitudes react, a green aurora emerges. Meanwhile, sightings of blue, yellow, or red auroras indicate interactions between solar particles and oxygen or nitrogen atoms at lower altitudes.

The occasional presence of a purple hue is attributable to interactions with hydrogen and helium.

Are Geomagnetic Storms Hazardous?

Rest assured, unless you are seeking to witness the aurora borealis, geomagnetic storms pose no significant risk.

Nevertheless, these storms can potentially disrupt high-frequency radio communications. Experts vigilantly monitor aircraft and satellite communications to ensure uninterrupted operations.

In a statement released on Sunday, the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center assured the public that no adverse effects were to be expected, with infrastructure operators already taking precautions to mitigate potential impacts.

However, the statement cautioned that disruptions to GPS systems could become more frequent and prolonged.

About Our Experts

Don Polacco: He serves as a Professor in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Group at the University of Warwick, focusing on exoplanets and overseeing the successful SuperWASP project on La Palma Island.

Dr. Paul Strom: A faculty member in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Group at the University of Warwick, engaged in the PLATO space mission and various astrophysical research endeavors, particularly emphasizing far-ultraviolet observations for understanding young planet formation environments.

Dr. Darren Baskill: An outreach officer and lecturer at the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Sussex, formerly affiliated with the Royal Observatory Greenwich and the administrator of the annual Astronomical Photographer of the Year competition.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Explore Our Stunning Collection of This Year’s Top Aurora Photographs

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Matthew Brown's entry “Goleuadau'r Gogledd”. Means “Aurora” in Welsh.

Matthew Brown

There are few sights as spectacular as the Northern Lights. The Aurora Photographer of the Year competition, run by travel photography blog Capture the Atlas, takes advantage of the dazzling effects of the Northern Lights.

The waning sun photographed on Senja Island in Norway

alex wides

This year, 25 breathtaking shots from around the world made it to the final round, and we've published a selection of them here. Each brings a special aspect to this unusual phenomenon caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with atmospheric gases.

“Circle of Life” filmed in Finland at almost -30 degrees Celsius

Freudis Dalheim

As the sun's next peak in activity (known as the solar maximum) approaches in 2024, people are already able to catch glimpses of the aurora borealis over a wider area than usual in both the north and south. Next year's exhibition will be even more spectacular.

“A moment on the ice” taken from an ice cave in Alaska, USA

marybeth kitzenski

'Lost Who I Want To Be' filmed at Moke Lake in New Zealand

Jordan McInally

Many of the photos in the 2023 competition were taken in locations where the Northern Lights are rare, such as south Wales, and are captured in Matthew Brown's photography. Goreuadau's Goggled (Main image). The name translates to 'lights of the north' in Welsh and images show local landmark Paxton's Tower lit up. “It's rare to see the aurora borealis this far south,” Brown said. “For more than an hour, the horizon beyond the clouds cast shades of green and pink. But for one brief but magical moment, the sky burst

Source: www.newscientist.com