The Science and Beauty of Auroras

↓ More info and sources below ↓

Space might seem like an empty place, but the area surrounding Earth is constantly being bombarded by waves of charged particles released by the Sun: The solar wind. Luckily, thanks to Earth's swirling, molten core (and the magnetic field it provides), we are protected from this planet-sterilizing onslaught like an invisible force field
All that science has a beautiful side effect: It makes the auroras! The Northern and Southern lights are the result of the solar wind and its dance with Earth's magnetic field and polar atmosphere. It's Earth's own cosmic light show!

Have an idea for an episode or an amazing science question you want answered? Leave a comment below!

Written and hosted by Joe Hanson
Special thanks to Laura Eakins from UT-Austin's Department of Astronomy

Music in this episode:
Gustav Holst: "Neptune, the Mystic," "Mercury, the Winged Messenger"
Johnny Ripper: "Speak"
Misha Nuis: "Ambient"

Clips used in this episode:

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[remove.and.discard]

At 0:38 'Aurora Borealis' refers only to the lights in the northern hemisphere (from Boreas, or north wind); in the southern hemisphere, it is called 'Aurora Australis' (from Auster, or south wind). That's also how Australia got its name, meaning 'land of the south'.

[besmart]

During normal solar activity, auroras are limited to areas near the Arctic/Antarctic circle, and only in winter at each because of the constant summer daylight. But during CMEs of solar storms, auroras can reach much farther south, even as far as the Southern U.S. or into Australia.

[CandySphynx]

I'm so glad you used Holst's Planets as a soundtrack.

[revengejunkie]

i really wish these kinds of videos were on youtube before. But hell, I'm glad as it's here now. Thank you for making education enjoyable!

[pol...]

I think it's amazing to realize how many aleatory facts make our life on Earth possible. Think about it: No oxygen, no life. No water, no life; which means no hydrogen no life. No atmosphere, no life. No sun, no life. If the sun would be closer or further away... no life. If our universe would have no highs field, no magnetic field, no electric field, no gravitational field, or no nuclear force... you get it, right?

[amylouise]

I want to see the lights someday :) beautiful!

[besmart]

During extreme solar storms, auroras have been reported as far south as Mexico and Italy, maybe even beyond!

[celticninja]

thank u for making this channel! i have learned so many new things! keep up the good work!

[besmart]

The sheets and "lines" you see in aurora shapes look that way because the magnetic particles are actually coming down into the atmosphere. You're sort of looking head on at them as they streak toward you.

[besmart]

But this is even better than TV, because you can watch it any time! Right?

[besmart]

There's a link to the Facebook page in the description! As well as my main blog on Tumblr, which is pretty cool if I do say so myself

[olusolaagbana]

I didn't really understand most of what you said, but it sounds really amazing and beautiful. I would love to see Aurora some day

[MarcColten-uspl]

I've never been anywhere you can see an aurora. thank you for bringing to me.

[therealebolaboy]

You have the best description. Thank you.

[feliciamoreland]

It also brought us trees and several different plant life. I got to witness this first hand in the winter of 2021/2022. 🥂❣🐞💚

[spliceosome]

thank you for replying! you are doing a great job with the videos!

[TimCramblet]

The most intriguing part was about the telegram that was sent with the equipment unplugged. How could that possibly happen? Sounds so interesting.

[DOA_Valko]

2013 Its Ok To Be Smart:CORONA
Me in 2021:Bruh

[besmart]

Cool! Science + history = awesome. A similar story came out last year that just blows my mind. Google "Red crucifix AD 774", Richard Lovett had a great article about it in Nature News.

[LLdude]

OH MY GOD GUSTAV HOLST IN THE BEGINNING THAT'S FREAKING AWESOME