Do you get weather notifications on your phone?

We recommend it, and wow were we glad we checked ours out today!

Our favorite young meteorologist and storm chaser from the MyRadar app, Matthew Cappucci, let us know what we may expect to see tonight in Missouri – the Northern Lights!

What?! Well you have probably heard all about it by now. It was a pretty big deal and if you missed it, we are sorry.

It was a sight to behold, truly.

But what are the Northern Lights and why do they happen? Our curious minds are thirsty.

Let’s dive into the cosmic spectacle of the Nothern Lights otherwise known as Aurora Borealis and why it’s such a rare and awe inspiring event, especially when visible from the south in places like Missouri and even further.

The Cosmic Showdown

When the Aurora Borealis decides to make an appearance, it’s a rare treat for most of us currently residing in the southern portion of the northern hemisphere.

Usually, this breathtaking display of lights prefers to hang out near the Arctic Circle, where the nights are long and the skies are clear.

But every so often, it decides to take its dazzling act on a global tour, reaching places as far south as Missouri which is our current location, and beyond!

Unveiling the Science Behind the Magic

So, what’s the secret sauce behind this celestial spectacle? It all boils down to a cosmic dance between the Sun, Earth’s magnetic field, and our atmosphere.

Here’s the breakdown:

Solar Wind: Picture the Sun as a cosmic DJ spinning particles into space—that’s the solar wind.

Magnetic Field Magic: Earth rocks this invisible force field called the magnetic field. It’s like a giant shield that deflects most of the solar wind away.

Magnetosphere Shenanigans: When the solar wind meets Earth’s magnetic field, it’s like a cosmic tug-of-war. Sometimes, the solar wind wins, squeezing our magnetosphere on the day side and stretching it out on the night side.

Atmospheric Light Show: Now, here’s where the magic happens. Some of those solar particles sneak past our magnetosphere near the poles and dive into our atmosphere.

Colorful Chaos: As these particles collide with gases in our atmosphere, like oxygen and nitrogen, they throw a cosmic rave. The excited particles release energy in the form of colorful light—the Aurora Borealis is born!

Fun Facts to Light Up Your Night Sky

Let’s sprinkle in some cosmic trivia to make your Aurora Borealis experience even more enchanting:

Dazzling Palette: The Northern Lights aren’t just one color—they’re a symphony of hues! From greens and reds (courtesy of oxygen) to purples, blues, and pinks (thanks to nitrogen), it’s like painting the night sky with stardust.

Southern Lights: Did you know there’s a Southern Hemisphere version of this cosmic spectacle? Yep, the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, puts on its own show near Antarctica and southern regions.

Solar Cycle Shenanigans: The frequency and intensity of Northern Lights are tied to the solar cycle. During solar maximums, when the Sun’s feeling extra energetic, we get more dazzling displays.

Planetary Party: Earth isn’t the only planet that knows how to throw an aurora party. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune have their own versions, showcasing their magnetic fields and atmospheric quirks.

Scientific Soiree: Beyond being a jaw-dropping sight, studying Northern Lights teaches us about Earth’s magnetic field, solar activity, and space weather. It’s like a cosmic classroom from the universe!

Nature’s Celestial Extravaganza

So, there you have it—the Aurora Borealis isn’t just a light show; it’s a cosmic masterpiece that reminds us of the awe-inspiring beauty of our universe.

Whether you’re in Missouri or Moscow, witnessing these celestial dancers is a privilege that connects us to the wonders of the cosmos.

So, next time you gaze up at the night sky and see those vibrant hues, remember, you’re witnessing another wonderful aspect of creation! Our heavenly father’s handywork.

A show that’s out of this world!