The sky over Alaska, specifically above Eklunta Lake, lit up in stunning shades of green and reddish hues to welcome the new year.
Nature’s fireworks, powered by the Sun and Earth’s magnetic field, created an awe-inspiring light show known as the Aurora Borealis.
The Science Behind the Northern Lights
Solar winds interact with Earth’s atmosphere to produce these dazzling lights. In Anchorage, Alaska, the polar lights gracefully illuminate rooftops and surrounding trees. This phenomenon occurs when solar particles collide with atmospheric gases, energizing them to emit light.
Rare Sightings in Europe
Auroras are most commonly visible in regions close to the magnetic poles, including Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Alaska. However, in rare cases, the lights have been observed in places like England and Germany, particularly in Cumbria.
Colors and Their Origins
- Green: Oxygen molecules at altitudes above 100 km.
- Red: Oxygen molecules at higher altitudes, around 300 km.
- Blue and Violet: Hydrogen molecules produce these vibrant hues.
Mythology of the Aurora
The appearance of polar lights has inspired numerous myths in Nordic cultures. Vikings celebrated them as divine signs, while others saw them as omens and created superstitions to ward off perceived dangers.