NASA Unravels Mysteries Of Northern Lights

Researchers believe stressed magnetic field lines suddenly snap to a new shape, like a rubber band that's been stretched too far, during a process called magnetic reconnection. By K.C. Jones InformationWeek Researchers have discovered that explosions of magnetic energy a third of the way to the moon power substorms that create the Northern Lights. Five NASA satellites helped researchers pinpoint how sudden brightening and rapid movements of the aurora borealis take place. NASA said this week that researchers believe stressed magnetic field lines suddenly snap to a new shape, like a rubber band that's been stretched too far, during a process called magnetic reconnection. ) at the University of California, Los Angeles, said. Substorms change the auroral displays at the North and South Poles, causing the lights to flicker. The... [read full story]