The northern lights fascinate with their beauty. Our ancestors believed that this extraordinary phenomenon brings a threat and misfortune to a person. Many inhabitants of the northern countries are still convinced that seeing the aurora borealis is a bad sign. Can this phenomenon really cause harm? Or is it just a fantasy of the ancient peoples?
Why do the northern lights appear?
If we discard all the myths and legends, and take into account only the scientific explanation, then the phenomenon of the aurora borealis is easy to explain. The earth is a huge magnet, the lines of force of which radiate from the region of the North Pole, encircle the entire planet and exit in the region of the South Pole. The sun "supplies" the earth's surface with a stream of electrons and protons, these particles, reaching the lines of force, ionize the molecules and atoms of gases. Charged molecules and atoms begin to radiate energy, which we see as light of a wide variety of shades.
Interestingly, the green and red glow appears as a result of the excitation of oxygen atoms,infrared and violet - ionized nitrogen molecules. It turns out that the northern lights are the interaction of particles of solar radiation with our magnetosphere.
Dangerous infrasound
Polar glow has been proven to generate low-frequency magnetic waves. They are emitted in the range of about 8-13 Hz, which is akin to some brain rhythms. This phenomenon is also accompanied by biologically active infrasound. Scientists claim that infrasound can have an unpredictable effect on the cardiovascular system and the human brain.
In addition, infrasound is the culprit of many disasters that have occurred at sea. It is believed that infrasound within 7 Hz can even lead to the death of a person, as it causes the vibration of internal organs, and this leads to cardiac arrest.
Where and when can you see the northern lights?
Polar glow strongly depends on the activity of the sun. Accordingly, the higher the latter, the more chances to observe this amazing phenomenon. The sky should be clear and the weather should be frosty. The best time to meet him is from 10 pm to midnight. The northern lights (the photo shows this phenomenon in all its glory) are best observed from October to January.
You can see such a natural phenomenon in the polar regions of the northern countries.
- Norway. In addition to the northern lights, another unique phenomenon is observed here - daylight of a rich blue color.
- Iceland. True, in cities it is very difficult to see the aurora borealis, most oftenit can be seen outside the settlements.
- Finland (northern regions). This country has a fairly low level of air pollution, so the northern lights can be seen there 200 times a year.
- Russia. In our country, such a phenomenon is observed in Yakutsk, Murmansk, Salekhard, Taimyr and other northernmost regions.
- Alaska.
- Sweden (Kiruna).
- Greenland (southern part).
Truly amazing natural phenomena! The northern lights fascinate millions of people with their beauty. Many dream to see this amazing phenomenon with their own eyes. Everyone who has ever seen this miracle of our planet will never be able to forget it.
