Aurora Observation
Learn how scientists predict the northern lights by looking at space weather!
When Are the Northern Lights Visible in Your Area - Activity PDF
Engage in a learning technique based on traditional ways of knowing and collect data
to investigate a scientific question. Learn how Earth’s rotation, tilt, and orbit
affect cause observable patterns and effect when the aurora is visible.
Be An Aurora Forecaster! - Activity PDF
Scientists predict when the northern lights are likely to occur by monitoring solar
activity. They look at the strength, density, and speed of solar wind coming toward
Earth and use the distance from Earth to the Sun to calculate when those particles
will excite our atmosphere and cause an aurora display.
These lessons come from the Cultural Connections kits, which can be checked out from the museum here.
Visit the Geophysical Institute Aurora Forecast website to find out if the aurora will be visible tonight.
If you can't see the aurorafrom where you are, check out Poker Flat's live allsky cam.
This project was funded under NASA cooperative agreement NNX16AL65A. Any opinions,
findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those
of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration.
All photos from NASA unless otherwise credited.