The aurora borealis (the northern lights) had scientists baffled of its phenomenon for centuries. In 2008, scientists used NASA satellites 70,000 kilometers above earth to capture this beauty. They found that the green lights are actually pent-up electric currents racing across the ionosphere (caused by massive eruptions of magnetic energy set off when charged particles from the sun collide with the atmosphere).
The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture, stimulating worldwide interest not only in astronomy, but in science in general, with a particular slant towards young people.
Now we can appreciate the unparalleled beauty, in the warmth of our homes: check out the time lapsed videos on Astronomy North
I wish I could see this on a big screen tv.
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