NORTHERN LIGHTS **IF** WE CLEAR OUT
Written By: Scott Hetsko
An aurora is a natural light display in the sky particularly in the high latitude regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere (thermosphere). The charged particles originate in the magnetosphere and solar wind and, on Earth, are directed by the Earth's magnetic field into the atmosphere. Aurora is classified as diffuse or discrete aurora.Most aurorae occur in a band known as the auroral zone. The auroral zone is typically 10° to 20° from the magnetic pole defined by the axis of the Earth's magnetic dipole.
We may see them later tonight if the sky clear for a few hours. LOOK NORTH!
Scott,
ReplyDeleteCould this uptick in solar activity have any impact on our climate? I ask because I've read that the low solar activity can help cool the globe. But, could this increase in solar activity contribute to warming us up again?