I was looking at some of these awe-inspiring photos of aurorae and pondering the essence of this beautiful natural phenomenon. Even as I was researching on Wikipedia, I Dugg across this article highlighting the development of miniature magnetosphere for protection of space vehicles. These two topics are linked, as this technology works on the same principle as the defense system spaceship earth naturally enlists on our behalf, making life as we know it possible.
A miniature magnetosphere can be created using a simple magnet and researchers from the U.K. and Portugal are applying this principle for creating portable extra terrestrial force field to protect space travelers and vehicles alike from radiation.
Auroras (northern and southern polar lights) occur in the ionosphere when charged particles traveling along the Earth’s magnetosphere collide with the upper atmosphere. These charge particles emanate from the sun and arrive as solar wind. As the collisions occur, electrons take quantum leaps – thus transferring kinetic energy into visible light.
This spectacular display is a beautiful byproduct of the forces of this world that make our existence possible.
The level of solar wind activity can influence the color of the aurorae, but different elements emit different wavelengths:
Red & Green - atomic oxygen
Pink & Blue/Violet - molecular nitrogen/nitrogen ions
Light Blue & Green - ionic nitrogen
Purple - neutral helium
Orange (w/ rippled edges) - neon
Photos of Aurora Borealis: Telegraph.co.uk -Nothern Lights
Protective Magnetic Spaceshield : The Future Of Things
Wikipedia: Aurora
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