Scientists Unveil Discovery About the Northern Lights

[n2doc]

Mysterious Movement Seen in Aurora Borealis Caused by Explosions of Magnetic Energy


By Marc Kaufman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, July 24, 2008; 5:44 PM
The mysterious sudden brightening and wavelike movements often seen in the aurora borealis, also called the Northern Lights, are caused by periodic explosions of magnetic energy 80,000 miles above Earth, NASA researchers reported today.

Using a fleet of five NASA satellites designed to observe and record magnetic and electrical activity around Earth, the researchers found that the sudden changes were caused by magnetic reconnection, a common process that occurs throughout the universe when magnetic field lines stretched by the force of the solar wind suddenly snap into a new shape, like a rubber band that has been stretched too far.


more with video:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/24/AR2008072402620.html


This artist's concept shows the explosion of energy responsible for sudden increases in the brightness and movement of the Northern Lights. Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab

Nasa link:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/themis/auroras/themis_power.html