This is a photo of the Northern Lights near the Norwegian Sea coast in September. This event occurred on September 20th 2012, the day before the September equinox. Because the equinoxes are occurring at this time, there are more geomagnetic storms, causing the auroral zones to descend to lower levels. The parallel aurora rays are casting down, but the photo makes the rays appear to spread out and expand into different directions. I think it is interesting how the rays seem to disperse in many directions appearing to get brighter as they approach the Earth. I really like the pretty green and pink colors, but where does the color originate from? Also, how is it that the rays seem to disperse, when in reality they are parallel?
I was actually thinking of doing the same topic as you, it is in fact very interesting to be able to see colors forming and changing shapes in the sky. I really wish to witness this in person because it is impossible to even imagine how beautiful it must look in person. Your description is very precise and complex; you must have analyzed well! Nice job :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo. I didn't realize that aurora activity increases around the equinoxes. I don't fully understand why and would like to find an explanation of this!
ReplyDeleteAs for the colors, there is an explanation here, but it requires a knowledge of chemistry that may be a little advanced!
http://www.exploratorium.edu/learning_studio/auroras/difcolors.html