The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are one of nature's most spectacular visual displays. Did you know you can also hear them? Read on to find out more interesting facts about this unique phenomenon!
5 x Interesting facts about the Northern Lights:
1. They can be heard as well as seen
Some observers report hearing crackling or hissing noises during strong aurora displays, though scientists are still studying the exact cause.
2. They are not unique to Earth and occur on other planets
Other planets with magnetic fields and atmospheres, like Jupiter and Saturn, also have auroras.
Jupiter's auroras are significantly brighter than Earth's, in some cases up to 20,000 times more powerful.
3. Their colours are determined by different gases and altitudes
The most common green and red colours are produced by oxygen atoms at different altitudes.
Nitrogen is responsible for the incredibly rare blue and purple colours, which are created at lower altitudes.
4. They can be seen from space
Astronauts on the International Space Station have reported seeing the Northern Lights from above, passing right through the phenomenon.
This provides a unique shapes, such as curtains and rays, from a side-on angle.
5. They have a southern counterpart called the Aurora Australis
These two phenomena are simultaneous, mirror images of each other, occurring at opposite ends of the Earth.
Register to take part in the Northern Lights Ultra or Weekend Warrior for your chance to camp under the dancing Arctic sky.
