Unit 9 - The Aurora Borealis
Aurora Borealis
Have you ever experienced a moment in your life where nature really draws you into a trance-like state? Making you feel so small in a world full of such complexity. For me, I have to say I feel this way about the Northern Lights. Imagine standing outside on a cold night in the north, as you feel the cool wind against you when you suddenly see green, pink, and purple lights in the sky—something that genuinely looks so unreal.
When I had first found out about the Northern Lights, I was so amazed I just needed to know how this phenomenon occurred. The Aurora Borealis (proper name for the Northern Lights) happens because of charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. So, what basically happens is the sun releases these solar winds, and when those particles hit the oxygen and nitrogen in our atmosphere, it creates these different colors. When seeing the green color, this is due to it hitting oxygen, and blue and purple occur with nitrogen. These solar winds smashing into the gases around the Earth create this movement of light in the sky that looks alive.
-> Watch how this works: NASA’s video on the Northern Lights
Myths and Cultural Beliefs
Prior to when we first learned about how this phenomenon occurred, different cultures tried to make sense of it, such as the:
Vikings
Sámi people
Inuit people
Vikings thought the lights were reflections of Valkyrie shields, which would lead fallen warriors to Valhalla. The Sámi people (from Scandinavia) thought of the auroras as spirits of their ancestors who would watch over them. Some Inuit legends would even warn people against whistling at the lights, saying if you did so, the lights would come down and take you away.
Where to See the Northern Lights in Canada
If you are lucky, you can see the Northern Lights here in Canada! Back in September, the lights were visible across the GTA, which includes here in Guelph! Even though the lights were visible for two days, I sadly did not get the chance to see them. However, if you’re interested in seeing them, you can head over to Manitoulin Island, located in Lake Huron, said to have one of the darkest skies in Ontario. It is a long road trip—about six hours away—however, the experience is one of a lifetime.
-> Use this live tracker to see where the aurora is and where it will be: Aurora Forecast
Photo captured from Guelph back in March of 2023! - https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/guelph-photographer-captures-spectacular-northern-lights-display-6753922
I have never personally seen the Northern Lights, however, this is definitely a big dream for me. I think it’s so cool that whether you see them in photos or in person, it can still change and inspire you. Just looking at these photos has me in awe, but I can guarantee seeing them in person is just a whole other experience. So if you ever get the chance to stand under this glowing sky, definitely take it. I can promise you won’t regret it.
NASA. (n.d.). Auroras: The Northern and Southern Lights. Retrieved from https://science.nasa.gov/heliophysics/focus-areas/magnetosphere-ionosphere/auroras
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. (2023). What are the Northern Lights? Retrieved from https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/
Chamberlain, J. W., & Hunten, D. M. (1987). Theory of planetary atmospheres: An introduction to their physics and chemistry (2nd ed.). Academic Press.
Canadian Geographic. (2019). First Nations legends of the aurora borealis. Retrieved from https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/article/first-nations-legends-aurora-borealis
Scientific American. (2017). Why do we feel awe? Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-do-we-feel-awe/
Hi Dannie
I enjoyed reading your post as it captures the wonder and awe of the Aurora Borealis! I was drawn in by your vivid description-being able to clearly imagine the stillness of the night, the chillness of the air, and then the sky coming alive full of colour. There is definitely something humbling about moments like these, where our natural world reminds us of how mysterious it truly is, and how small we are compared to our universe. What stood out to me when reading your blog post was how you combined culture and science. Learning that solar particles interacting with our atmosphere cause the Northern Lights is fascinating, but also learning how different cultures interpret this phenomenon adds depth. It shows how humans throughout time have always tried to make sense of the unknown through story and spirit. I have never personally seen the Northern Lights, but it is something I would love to see! Your mention of the Manitoulin Island is very helpful, and I had no idea that it is a good viewing spot in Ontario. I will definitely be keeping this in mind for the future. Great post!



















