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Credit & Copyright: Terje SÜrgjerd;
Music:
Gladiator Soundtrack: Now we are Free
Explanation:
Sometimes, after your eyes adapt to the dark, a spectacular
sky appears.
Such was the case in 2011 March when one of the
largest auroral displays
in recent years appeared over northern locations like the border between Norway and
Russia.
Pictured in the above time-lapse movie, auroras
flow over snow covered landscapes, trees, clouds, mountains and lakes found near
Kirkenes,
Norway.
Many times the auroras are green, as high energy particles strike the
Earth's atmosphere,
causing the air to glow as electrons resettle into their
oxygen hosts.
Other colors are occasionally noticeable as atmospheric nitrogen also becomes affected.
In later sequences the Moon and rising stars are also visible.
With the Sun
currently hovering near its time of maximum activity,
there may be many
opportunities to see similarly
spectacular auroras
personally, even from areas much
closer to the equator.
Free lecture:
APOD editor to speak in NYC on Jan. 3
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: aurora borealis
Publications with words: aurora borealis
See also: