Residents of Oregon and 15 other states in the northern part of the United States may be in for a celestial treat on Monday night. The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, could be visible as far south as the Oregon-Washington border.
The occurrence of the northern lights is not a rarity in the far north of the globe, where countries like Norway, Canada, and Iceland often enjoy this natural light show. However, for the northern parts of the United States, such a display is less common and therefore holds a certain allure for sky watchers.
What Causes the Northern Lights?
The northern lights are a result of interactions between the Sun’s electrically charged particles and the Earth’s magnetic field. When these particles collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen in our atmosphere, they create stunning and colourful displays of light in the night sky.
Although this phenomenon is more commonly associated with the Earth’s polar regions, significant solar activity can push the aurora borealis further south, delighting observers in regions not typically privy to such displays.
South Africa’s Southern Lights
While South Africans may not have the opportunity to witness the northern lights, the country is occasionally treated to its own light show: the aurora australis or southern lights. Similar to the northern lights, these are visible from high southern latitudes in Antarctica, South America, New Zealand, and Australia.
The southern lights are caused by the same process as the northern lights, but they’re not as commonly seen due to the lack of landmass in the southern hemisphere from where they can be easily viewed. However, when conditions are just right, they can be observed from the southernmost point of South Africa.
Whether it’s the northern lights in the United States or the southern lights in South Africa, these natural spectacles serve as stunning reminders of the intricate and beautiful processes at work in our universe. So, the next time there’s a chance to see these lights in your area, be sure to look up and appreciate the show.
Source: OregonLive.com
