In 1619, Galileo coined the term “Aurora Borealis” after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and Boreas, the Greek god of the north wind.
People often travel to far away places, like Scandinavia or Iceland to view this phenomenon. Recently, however, we have been able to enjoy viewing the lights all around the USA, and even right here in Easton, CT.
The colors of the Aurora Borealis are dependent on the types of atoms being energized. An interaction between solar particles and oxygen, for example, produces red or green light, while collisions with nitrogen produce green and purple light. Lines of magnetic force affect the pattern of the light display, creating the ripples, pulses, streaks, and swirls we associate with the event.
The Inuits believe the lights are the spirits of their ancestors, while the ancient Norse believed the lights were the reflections from the shields of the Valkyries, who guide fallen warriors to Valhalla.
One of the most amazing things about Northern Lights is that they prevent harmful solar radiation from reaching us, deflecting incoming particles in arcs of brilliant color. Not only are they exhilarating, they are guardians of the planet.
Here are some pictures taken by Easton and Redding residents last week.
The Cultural Easton 