Aurora Borealis: what is it and where can you see this phenomenon?

What is an Aurora Borealis?

Everyone knows that nature is capable of doing wonderful things. And the Aurora Borealis is one of the most beautiful proofs of this!

The Aurora Borealis is a luminous phenomenon that occurs in the sky and is well known for its unique beauty.

Its origin comes from the activity and strength of solar winds. When it comes into contact with the Earth's magnetic field, the phenomenon occurs.

The northern lights usually occur during so-called solar storms. During these storms, a gas called plasma – which contains particles of protons and electrons – is emitted by the Sun.

When this plasma comes into contact with our atmosphere – and with the magnetic field present on our planet – the spectacle happens.

This magnetic field ends up working as a kind of protection against these substances emitted by the Sun.

The folklore and mysticism surrounding the northern lights

You don't even need to have seen the Northern Lights to know that the experience truly feels magical.

Just by looking at the photo or video, the feeling is that the lights are truly from another world.

Now just imagine the feeling that ancient people felt when they saw a phenomenon like this?

Before studies were carried out to confirm that the phenomenon is the result of science, many people considered the northern lights to be supernatural events linked to their ancestors.

From this more mystical perspective, many of the people who lived in regions where the phenomenon was more common treated the ritual with extreme respect and solemnity.

For them, the northern lights were true portals that opened between our world and the world of the dead.

And the presence of lights and shapes in the sky represented the presence of their ancestors. This made the Northern Lights real events for these ancient people.

Aurora Borealis on other planets

Anyone who thinks that a phenomenon as beautiful as the Aurora Borealis is something exclusive to planet Earth is mistaken.

The phenomenon may seem like something that is just part of the dynamics of our planet with the Sun, but it has already been recorded on other planets.

Sent by NASA – the United States agency responsible for the study and development of technologies aimed at exploring space – as part of a research program, the Voyager 1 and 2 probes were responsible for the discovery.

During their respective missions – to study the functioning of other planets in our solar system – the probes managed to record the presence of phenomena similar to what we know as the aurora borealis on Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn and Uranus.

Among these planets, Jupiter and Saturn have the largest magnetic field.

This makes the experience of witnessing the aurora borealis on these planets even more impressive, with a more intense effect than here.

On Neptune, the effect is a little different, producing more distorted lights, similar to luminous spots.

And on Uranus, the phenomenon occurs through luminous rings present in the planet's sky. The latter was recorded by the Hubble Space Telescope – a satellite responsible for capturing several important images for studies related to the universe – in 2011.

Where can you see this phenomenon?

Due to the fact that the northern lights are directly related to the planet's poles, the phenomenon can be seen.

For those who want to witness the bright lights in the sky live, the best option is to travel to countries such as Norway, Finland, Greenland, Sweden and Iceland.

In locations north of countries such as Alaska, Russia and Canada, the phenomenon of colors and shapes also occurs and can be seen.

Is it possible to see with the naked eye, without equipment?

Many people who have seen the beautiful photos and videos taken by people who have witnessed the Northern Lights have one question: Is it possible to watch the show without using glasses?

Yes, but not as intensely.

The show of shapes and colors that takes place in the sky during the Northern Lights can be seen with the naked eye, but it is recommended that, for a more complete experience, spectators use cameras to observe the phenomenon.

Some of the lights present in the aurora – such as the red ones, for example – are emitted in a hue that is very difficult for the human eye to see.

Additionally, other colors that make up the aurora borealis – such as shades of violet and green – can be seen more intensely through lenses.

Therefore, to view – and record – the phenomenon with greater quality, it is recommended to use objects such as cameras and video cameras.

Is it possible to see the Aurora Borealis in Brazil?

Unfortunately not.

As mentioned earlier in the text, the aurora borealis requires certain weather conditions to occur. And Brazil does not offer these conditions.

Despite this, it is important to know that the southern hemisphere of the planet has its own aurora borealis.

Known as the Aurora Australis, it can be seen near the Earth's South Pole. However, since the area around the North Pole is more populated than the South Pole, the aurora borealis ends up being more famous than the aurora australis.

Although Brazil is located in the south of the planet, unfortunately we are not positioned far enough south to be able to see such a fascinating phenomenon.

However, in some places in the southern hemisphere it is possible to see the phenomenon. In some places south of Australia and Tasmania it is possible to see the phenomenon.

Here in South America, a place where it is possible to witness the aurora australis is Ushuaia, in Argentina.

The city is located in the extreme south of South America and is a popular tourist spot for those who want to see the phenomenon without traveling to countries in the northern hemisphere.

Did you like this material? Then take advantage and read it too Benefits of music – discover 5 benefits!

Interesting things

Ivan January 14, 2022