Aurora Borealis fascinates with its beauty. Our ancestors believed that this extraordinary phenomenon poses a threat and misfortune to a person. Many residents of the northern countries are still confident that to see the aurora is a bad sign. Can this phenomenon really harm? Or is this just an invention of ancient peoples?
Why do northern lights come about?
If all myths and legends are discarded, and only a scientific explanation is taken into account, then the aurora phenomenon is easy to explain. The earth is a huge magnet, the lines of force of which are emitted from the region of the North Pole, encircle the entire planet and go out into the region of the South Pole. The sun "supplies" the earth's surface with a stream of electrons and protons, these particles, reaching the lines of force, ionize the molecules and atoms of gases. Charged molecules and atoms begin to radiate energy, which we see as light of various shades.
Interestingly, the green and red glow appears as a result of the excitation of oxygen atoms, infrared and violet - ionized nitrogen molecules. It turns out that the northern lights - the interaction of solar radiation particles with our magnetosphere.
Dangerous Infrasound
It is proved that the polar glow generates low-frequency magnetic waves. They are emitted in the range of about 8-13 Hz, which is akin to some rhythms of the brain. This phenomenon is also accompanied by biologically active infrasound. Scientists say that infrasound can have an unpredictable effect on the cardiovascular system and the human brain.
In addition, infrasound is the culprit of many disasters that occurred at sea. It is believed that infrasound within 7 Hz can even lead to death of a person, since it causes vibration of internal organs, and this leads to cardiac arrest.
Where and when can I see the northern lights?
The polar glow strongly depends on the activity of the sun. Accordingly, the higher the latter, the more likely it is to observe this amazing phenomenon. The sky should be clear and the weather frosty. The best time to meet with him is from 10 pm to midnight. Northern lights (the photo shows this phenomenon in all its glory) is best observed from October to January.
You can see such a natural phenomenon in the polar regions of the northern countries.
- Norway. In addition to the northern lights, there is another unique phenomenon - daylight saturated blue.
- Iceland. True, in cities it is very difficult to see the aurora, most often it can be seen outside the settlements.
- Finland (northern regions). This country has a fairly low level of air pollution, so the northern lights can be seen there 200 times a year.
- Russia. In our country, such a phenomenon is observed in Yakutsk, Murmansk, Salekhard, Taimyr and other northernmost regions.
- Alaska.
- Sweden (Kiruna).
- Greenland (southern part).
Truly amazing natural phenomena! The northern lights fascinate with its beauty millions of people. Many people dream of seeing this amazing phenomenon with their own eyes. Everyone who has ever seen this miracle of our planet will never be able to forget it.