โ๏ธ The Particle's Journey: Sun to Earth ๐
Watch as solar particles travel from the sun through space. When particles enter Earth's magnetic field, they are funneled toward the poles where they create brilliant aurora displays.
โ๏ธ The Chemistry of Auroral Colors ๐ก
See the atomic-level process that creates various aurora colors. When an energetic particle collides with an atom in the atmosphere, it excites an electron to a higher energy level. When the electron returns to its original state, it emits a photon of light - creating the colors we see in the aurora.
๐ฅ Types of Aurora Displays โก
Discover the different forms auroras can take in the night sky. From smooth arcs to dynamic bands, radial coronas to pulsating patches - each type creates a unique and mesmerizing display. Watch as the simulation cycles through each type automatically.
Best Time to View
- Location: High latitude regions (above 60ยฐ north or below 60ยฐ south)
- Season: Winter months (September-March in Northern Hemisphere) for longer, darker nights
- Time: Between 10 PM and 2 AM local time
- Conditions: Clear, dark skies away from city lights
- Solar Activity: During periods of high solar activity and geomagnetic storms
Scientific Sources & Further Reading
These simulations are based on established aurora physics and scientific research from the following sources:
- ๐ NASA - Aurora Image Gallery & Science
- ๐ NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center - Aurora Forecast
- ๐ Space Weather Live - Auroral Activity
- ๐ AuroraWatch - Real-time Aurora Monitoring
- ๐ Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics - Magnetospheric Dynamics
- ๐ Springer - Aurora: The Mysterious Northern and Southern Lights
- ๐ Akasofu, S. I. (1964). "The development of the auroral substorm." Planetary and Space Science, 12(4), 273-282.
- ๐ Frey, H. U. (2007). "Localized aurora beyond the auroral oval." Reviews of Geophysics, 45(1).
- ๐ Rees, M. H. (1989). "Physics and Chemistry of the Upper Atmosphere." Cambridge University Press.
- ๐ Baumjohann, W., & Treumann, R. A. (1996). "Basic Space Plasma Physics." Imperial College Press.