The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is one of the most amazing natural wonders on our planet. These beautiful lights have fascinated people for hundreds of years. Recently, I traveled all the way from Australia to Fairbanks, Alaska, to see this incredible light show for myself.
The Northern Lights happen when the sun reaches a peak in its 11-year sunspot cycle. During this time, the sun releases high-speed electrons and protons into space. When these particles reach Earth, they are deflected by our planet’s magnetic field and collide with the upper atmosphere near the poles. This collision creates the stunning lights we see in the sky. However, these solar storms can also cause problems, like damaging satellites, causing power outages, and affecting flights near the poles. Scientists are concerned that without more research, we could face serious issues from these geomagnetic storms.
To learn more about the Aurora, I joined a group of scientists, teachers, and students on a research trip. We traveled over the snowy mountains of Denali National Park to test our equipment and gather data.
Our main research involved launching high-altitude balloons. This project gives students a chance to explore near-space environments and learn about the Aurora. We aimed to improve our understanding of the Aurora and its connection to the global electrical circuit.
We used a latex weather balloon, which we inflated to a diameter of 2 meters. This balloon could lift a payload weighing 6 to 7 kg. Our goal was to send the balloon about 25 kilometers into the atmosphere to check wind conditions before launching it at night to capture the Aurora.
As the balloon rises, it expands from about 6 or 8 feet to the size of a small house before it bursts. The payload then falls back to Earth with a parachute, allowing us to retrieve the footage from near space. Launching a balloon at night to capture the Aurora is challenging due to cloudy skies and a bright moon, which can make it hard to see the lights.
The next morning, we searched for the payloads from 30 balloon launches. Out of all these attempts, only one successfully captured the Aurora. This was a big achievement because it was the first time we got a shot of the Aurora from a weather balloon at nearly eye level.
Launching weather balloons and capturing images of the Aurora was both exciting and educational. The data we collected helps us understand the Northern Lights better and shows how solar emissions can affect our daily lives. As young scientists continue to explore these challenges, the future of auroral research looks bright, offering new insights into one of nature’s most spectacular displays.
Using materials like colored cellophane, LED lights, and a cardboard box, create a model that simulates the Aurora Borealis. Think about how the particles from the sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field to produce the lights. Present your model to the class and explain how it represents the real phenomenon.
Research how solar storms can impact technology on Earth, such as satellites and power grids. Prepare a short presentation to share your findings with the class. Discuss why it’s important for scientists to study these storms and how they relate to the Aurora Borealis.
Using the information provided, calculate the volume of the balloon when it is fully inflated to a diameter of 2 meters. Then, estimate how much the balloon expands as it rises to 25 kilometers. Use the formula for the volume of a sphere, $V = frac{4}{3} pi r^3$, where $r$ is the radius.
Design a payload that could be used in a high-altitude balloon launch to capture images of the Aurora. Consider the weight limit of 6 to 7 kg and the types of equipment needed, such as cameras and sensors. Share your design with the class and explain your choices.
Using a bar magnet and iron filings, simulate how Earth’s magnetic field deflects solar particles. Observe how the filings align along the magnetic field lines. Discuss how this relates to the formation of the Aurora Borealis and the role of Earth’s magnetic field in protecting our planet.
Aurora – A natural light display in the Earth’s sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic, caused by the collision of solar wind and magnetospheric charged particles with the high altitude atmosphere. – Example sentence: The aurora borealis, or northern lights, is a spectacular display of colors in the sky caused by interactions between the Earth’s magnetic field and solar particles.
Lights – Visible forms of electromagnetic radiation that can be seen by the human eye, often used to describe phenomena like the aurora. – Example sentence: The lights of the aurora are most vivid when solar activity is high, creating a breathtaking spectacle in the night sky.
Earth – The third planet from the Sun in our solar system, which has a unique atmosphere and magnetic field that support life and protect it from solar radiation. – Example sentence: The Earth’s magnetic field plays a crucial role in shielding us from harmful solar radiation.
Atmosphere – The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, which is crucial for sustaining life and protecting the planet from harmful solar radiation. – Example sentence: The Earth’s atmosphere scatters sunlight, which is why the sky appears blue during the day.
Solar – Relating to the Sun, especially in terms of energy and radiation emitted by it. – Example sentence: Solar energy from the Sun is a vital source of power for life on Earth and influences weather patterns.
Storms – Disturbances in the atmosphere that can involve strong winds, rain, thunder, lightning, or snow, and in the context of space, refer to solar storms that affect the Earth’s magnetosphere. – Example sentence: Solar storms can disrupt communication systems on Earth by interfering with satellite signals.
Magnetic – Relating to or exhibiting magnetism, a force that can attract or repel objects, and is a fundamental property of the Earth’s core. – Example sentence: The Earth’s magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten iron in its outer core.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions, often used in scientific contexts. – Example sentence: Scientists conduct research to better understand the effects of solar storms on Earth’s magnetic field.
Balloon – A flexible bag filled with a gas, such as helium, hydrogen, or air, that can rise and is often used in scientific experiments to collect data from the atmosphere. – Example sentence: Weather balloons are launched to gather data on atmospheric conditions, helping scientists predict weather patterns.
Scientists – Individuals who conduct scientific research to advance knowledge in an area of interest, such as physics or Earth science. – Example sentence: Scientists study the interactions between the Earth’s atmosphere and solar radiation to understand climate change.
