Welcome to the 23rd insertion of DEMUR®, an analytical series highlighting the intricacies of the artistic world and the minutiae lying within. In this episode we tread North, looking to the skies in pursuit of flowing rivers and electromagnetic hues of the Aurora Polaris (Northern Lights).
The Aurora Polaris is a scientific phenomenon that has been perplexing researchers for centuries. In select conditions, radiating tones of red, blue, green and violet frolic in linear patterns across the arctic sky, found in both the North and South poles. First discovered in ancient times, astronomers Pierre Gassendi and Galileo Galilei are widely credited as those who coined the term “Aurora Borealis'' after their sighting in 1621. A derivative from the Roman goddess of dawn - Aurora, and the Greek god of wind, Borealis, the occurrence has since transitioned into the; “Northern Lights”.
Despite massive leaps in atmospheric study, much of the science behind Aurora Polaris remains unknown. Conceptualized throughout the 20th century, only recently have we successfully confirmed a sliver of the celestial puzzle. The focused traits driving the Northern Lights relies on Earth’s magnetic field in relation to solar winds produced by the Sun’s outermost layer, the corona. A consistent release of charged particles stream towards Earth at a cascading 72,420,480 kmph, arriving in fluctuant spurts of solar storms and begin the reaction. Once in contact with Earth’s outermost atmosphere, the Northern Lights are born, ionizing with particles like nitrogen and oxygen to emit the mystic colours we lust over.
These boreal tints are found at varying levels of elevation, ranging from 90-300km in vertical distance. Each colour is dependent on the atmospheric particle composition, the altitude held responsible for each tone visible. Red’s sit among the highest heights while blue hangs beneath, oranges and violets increasingly rare as a mix of different particles. The Northern Lights have held cultural significance for millena, many believing in spiritual contact through the symbolic colouring.
On my Bucket list, I have always wanted to experience this phenomenon in person. Great Article!