The Northern Lights: Myths and Scientific Explanations

 The Northern Lights: Myths and Scientific Explanations

The Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis is one or the most interesting phenomena, which nature can offer to us. It lights up the night like a magical neon light show in green, pink, purple and blue colors, that would mesmerise the onlooker. As to the lights depicted on these images people have created a countless number of myths and legends In fact, science is able to give a rather interesting explanation for their presence. So, this is the story behind the Northern Lights along with myths and science in simple words. 

 

 Currently, many people want to learn about spectacular natural phenomena What are Northern Lights .

 Aurora Borealis or the Northern lights – The Northern Lights are a kind of natural light usually witnessed in polar areas which are the Arctic and Antarctic. It is witnessed when particles from the sun bring charges and interact with atoms in the earth’s atmosphere. These collisions produce light, which results in the pretty, colorful sights that can be witnessed. 

 

 Explaining the Northern Lights – The Physics 

To understand the Northern Lights, let's break down the process: 

 

 The Sun's Role: 

 

 The sun continuously releases collection of charged particles referred to as the solar wind. 

 When there are activities like flares or CMEs on the sun, solar wind speed raises and brings more charged particles towards the Earth. 

 Earth's Magnetic Field: 

 Solar wind is the constant flow of charged particles from the sun and the earth is shield by a magnetosphere from this solar radiation. 

 This magnetic field lines guide these charged particles to the polar regions whereby they penetrate the atmosphere. 

 Collisions in the Atmosphere: 

 As these charged particles come in contact with oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s atmosphere they impart energy on these atoms. 

 These atoms get excited and as a result emit this energy in form of visible light which forms the Northern Lights. 

 Colors of the Aurora: 

 

 The colors of the Northern Lights depend on the kind of gas, which is involved in the collision and altitude of the collisions. 

 Oxygen at above 150 miles results in red auroras and oxygen below 60 to 150 miles results in green auroras. Nitrogen results to blue or purple aurora

Apparently, the myth on the lights appeals to many, particularly when the phenomenon is linked to the northern native people myths such as that of the Aurora Borealis chasing the sun. 

Myths and Legends Surrounding the Northern Lights

 Early societies due to their lack of knowledge developed use myths and legends to try and explain the appearnace of the Northern Lights. Here are some fascinating stories:

 Norse Mythology: 

 The ancient Norse thought that Northern Lights represented the armor of the valkyries that were guiding the spirits of the warriors to Valhalla. 

 The lights were considered as a passage to the spiritual world and depicted the concept of courage and self-sacrifice. 

 Finnish Legend: 

 

 Also, according to the Finns, there’s a fantastic fox which, waving its tail across the snow, can make the Northern Lights when the wand-like tail gives out sparks. 

 The literal translation of the name of the Northern Lights in Finnish, which is Revontulet, is Fox Fires. 

 Inuit Beliefs: 

 

 The Eskimos of Alaska and Canada associated the lights as happy and dancing animals such as fishes, whales, and seals. 

 In Inuit cultures, some tales also tell about the lights as the ancestors’ spirits that are dancing and rejoicing. 

 Chinese and Japanese Tales: 

 

 China and Japan are examples of countries where the Northern Lights were regarded as dragons that are flying in the sky and this is associated with power and might. 

 They said that children born under the light will be very lucky and rich hence, the people danced around the fire light. ’

Experiencing the Northern Lights 

 The sight of the Northern Lights is quite cherished by most people. Here are some tips for maximizing your chances of witnessing this natural wonder:

 

 Best Time to See the Northern Lights:

 

 Northern lights are particularly visible during winter since there are more nights that are darker as compared to the other seasons. 

 It is observed best in conditions of the northern hemisphere extending from late September to early April. 

 Best Locations: 

 

 Best viewed from regions at the poles mainly the Arctic Circle. But tourists preferred destinations are Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska. 

 For the Southern Hemisphere some places such as Antarctica and some parts of New Zealand can give a view of the southern lights or the Aurora Australis. 

 Clear Skies and Darkness: 

 

 Lack of light pollution and cloudless, clear night sky are two more conditions necessary to watch the Northern Lights. 

 One should dim the lights and go to the rural areas in order to experience this to the fullest. 

 Aurora Forecasts: 

 

 Even the forecast of Aurora can be useful to determine when the lights will be seen. Social media platforms, websites, as well as dedicated applications enable real-time updates over the solar activities along with the forecast on auroras. 

 Conclusion 

 Aurora Borealis are such a beautiful natural phenomenon that has been capturing the attention of man for many years. Although science depicts the auroras as results of collisions of particles and the Earth’s atmosphere, the myths and legends offer much more to a cultural viewpoint. Thus no matter if you are a scientist curious about the physics of the auroras or a romanticist enamored by the tales the Northern Lights are a testament to the fact that the world is far more mystical than we can imagine. Speaking of this magnificent light show if you ever get the opportunity to ever see this spectacle is something you will never forget.