Auroras

Additional Information Natural Wonders

Auroras, the greatest light shows on earth, are natural phenomena that can be seen at the southern most and northern most areas, the polar regions.

Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights as they are more commonly called, can be seen across Antarctica, along with a variety of additional southern locations including, Southern Australia, South Africa and the southern tip of South America.

The northern equivalents, Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, are better known to people of the United States, where they are visible, usually in spring and early summer from Alaska, south to the northern tier states.

Technically, Auroras are classified as geomagnetic storms, caused by solar activity that reaches the earth's magnetic field. The clash of electromagnetic forces create waves of light visible in the night sky.

Because of improved forecasting ability and internet technology, many more people have an opportunity to view auroras. Doing an internet search using Aurora watch and a particular area often brings up University or government sponsored sites that monitor Aurora activity. Most of these places also send email alerts to subscribers regarding the time and place for upcoming viewing events.

© 2009. Patricia A. Michaels