Seminar

The northern lights, more technically known as the auroras, are commonly seen in the high-latitude regions. Their beauty marvels that of other natural wonders such as sunset and rainbow. Unlike the rainbow, the auroras exhibit dynamic changes of colors and patterns. This seminar covers some historical legends about the auroras, the atomic and molecular emissions that comprise their colors, their analogy with daily objects such as television and neon lights, and current scientific understanding of this natural phenomeon. Movies of auroras from the ground and a satellite will be shown. The auroral variabilities are visual manifestations of disturbances in the upper atmosphere and above. Practical relevance of auroral research to our societal functions is briefly described, such as on the operation of our technological assets in space and the high-latitude power grids on the ground.