The Science and Beauty of Auroras

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The science behind Earth's nocturnal light showClick here to SUBSCRIBE, it's FREE! -- http://bit.ly/iotbs_sub

Space might seem like an empty place, but the area surrounding Earth is constantly being bombarded by waves of charged particles released by the Sun: The solar wind. Luckily, thanks to Earth's swirling, molten core (and the magnetic field it provides), we are protected from this planet-sterilizing onslaught like an invisible force field
All that science has a beautiful side effect: It makes the auroras! The Northern and Southern lights are the result of the solar wind and its dance with Earth's magnetic field and polar atmosphere. It's Earth's own cosmic light show!

References for this episode: http://dft.ba/-4G6G

Have an idea for an episode or an amazing science question you want answered? Leave a comment below!

Written and hosted by Joe Hanson
Produced by Painted On Productions (http://www.paintedon.com/)
Special thanks to Laura Eakins from UT-Austin's Department of Astronomy

Music in this episode:
Gustav Holst: "Neptune, the Mystic," "Mercury, the Winged Messenger"
Johnny Ripper: "Speak"
Misha Nuis: "Ambient"

Clips used in this episode:
"Aurora 2012" by Christian Mülhauser http://vimeo.com/36141149
Gradient Sun by NASA:    • NASA | Gradient Sun  
Auroras underfoot by NASA:    • ScienceCasts: Auroras Underfoot  
"Temporal Distortion" by Randy Halverson: http://vimeo.com/36684976
"In Plain Sight" by Brad Goldpaint: http://vimeo.com/52347966
Massive Solar Filament Eruption by NASA:    • NASA | Magnificent Eruption in Full HD  
"ISS Stacks" by Christoph Malin: http://vimeo.com/51499009

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