New type Auroral event
May 5, 2019 12:42:39 #
Scientists have named an Aurora STEVE. I now have a new quest.
https://apple.news/A9uRWgKlaT0Kx-SEn-STtJg
https://apple.news/A9uRWgKlaT0Kx-SEn-STtJg
May 5, 2019 12:56:18 #
That is a magnificent photograph on the opening page of the article!
There is a lot we still don’t understand about planet earth. The article doesn’t really say clearly but Auroras are caused by the Sun which is constantly streaming particles in all directions as well as occasional ejecting lumps of itself called coronal mass ejections.
These types of particles, solar radiation, are deadly to life here on earth but we are protected from the radiation by the earths magnetic field and by the earths atmosphere.
Mars does not have much of a magnetic field, almost none, and it’s atmosphere is very thin. There is evidence there may have been a much thicker atmosphere, once upon a time. What happened to it? One theory is the solar wind blew the Mars atmosphere away because there is no magnetic field to protect it.
So when you see the Aurora, remember that what you are seeing is the earths magnetic field protecting us from solar radiation.
There is a lot we still don’t understand about planet earth. The article doesn’t really say clearly but Auroras are caused by the Sun which is constantly streaming particles in all directions as well as occasional ejecting lumps of itself called coronal mass ejections.
These types of particles, solar radiation, are deadly to life here on earth but we are protected from the radiation by the earths magnetic field and by the earths atmosphere.
Mars does not have much of a magnetic field, almost none, and it’s atmosphere is very thin. There is evidence there may have been a much thicker atmosphere, once upon a time. What happened to it? One theory is the solar wind blew the Mars atmosphere away because there is no magnetic field to protect it.
So when you see the Aurora, remember that what you are seeing is the earths magnetic field protecting us from solar radiation.
May 6, 2019 14:10:42 #
JD750 wrote:
That is a magnificent photograph on the opening pa... (show quote)
I had the opportunity to shoot 'Steve' last May from my backyard. Amazing phenomenon!
bwa
May 6, 2019 14:15:00 #
May 6, 2019 15:15:34 #
JD750 wrote:
Wow!
It was indeed one of 'those' moments and the first time I'd seen 'Steve', although it has apparently been around for years...
bwa
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