An extraordinary display of the aurora borealis has captivated Albertans this week, visible even from many homes. Scientists attribute this rare occurrence to an extreme magnetic storm caused by solar activity.
A special stint of northern lights have been illuminating Alberta 's skies — but why have the northern lights been so visible across the province this week?Emerald green, royal blue, bright violet, even some red and fuchsia — they're all colours that many Alberta ns saw illuminate the night on Thursday as the aurora borealis became visible from many people's homes.
"Normally the aurora forms in rings around the north and south magnetic poles, and those rings are much higher latitude than Calgary," he said. The scientist explained that when these charged particles meet the Earth's magnetic field, electric currents that circulate through space are then generated.He says there's "something very fascinating that's happening not too far above our heads in the upper atmosphere," but the science behind what makes the northern lights dance and streak colours across the sky is still being explored.
"It's a signature of the fact that there's life on Earth, but it doesn't hold true for all planets — other planets have auroras from different gases, that doesn't mean that there's life there, but on Earth it's really showing us the oxygen."While there are certain aspects of the northern lights that haven't yet been fully explained, scientists are still able to predict these enhanced northern lights events in advance.
Aurora Borealis Alberta Magnetic Storm Solar Activity Coronal Mass Ejection
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Calling all artists: City looking for new creations to display in Paul Mall alleyLocal artists have until Oct. 18 to apply for a spot to display their work downtown
Read more »
Harris’s Profound Vapidity on Display at Livestream Event With Oprah WinfreyAsked by a young couple what she would do to lower prices, Harris said one way to do that is to 'bring down the cost of everyday necessities including groceries.'
Read more »
South Korea and Japan say North Korea test-fired ballistic missiles in latest military displaySEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Wednesday test-fired multiple ballistic missiles toward its eastern seas, the South Korean and Japanese militaries said, adding to its military demonstrations as tensions with Washington and neighbors escalate
Read more »
South Korea and Japan say North Korea test-fired ballistic missiles in latest military displaySEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Wednesday test-fired multiple ballistic missiles toward its eastern seas, the South Korean and Japanese militaries said, adding to its military demonstrations as tensions with Washington and neighbors escalate
Read more »
South Korea and Japan say North Korea test-fired ballistic missiles in latest military displaySEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Wednesday test-fired multiple ballistic missiles toward its eastern seas, the South Korean and Japanese militaries said, adding to its military demonstrations as tensions with Washington and neighbors escalate
Read more »
South Korea and Japan say North Korea test-fired ballistic missiles in latest military displaySEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Wednesday test-fired multiple ballistic missiles toward its eastern seas, the South Korean and Japanese militaries said, adding to its military demonstrations as tensions with Washington and neighbors escalate
Read more »