AURORA
BOREALIS
Jan Curtis |
The aurora borealis is quite possibly the
most breathtaking sight on a winter night on the Kenai Peninsula.
From a scientific point of view, the aurora borealis is light produced
by a high-vacuum electric charge from the sun. As the charge passes
through the atoms and molecules in the earth's upper atmosphere,
light is produced. This colorful light, witnessed by spectators
on brisk clear nights, is the aurora borealis. The most common color
of the aurora borealis is a yellow-green, however different molecules
in the atmosphere cause different colors to appear. The aurora can
sometimes be seen in all red, or with purple, red, or blue highlights
or edges. To best view the aurora on the Kenai Peninsula, get away
from the city lights on a cold, clear, moonless night. Prime viewing
spots in the city of Kenai include Marathon Road, Bridge Access
Road and the beach. For more information on the aurora borealis,
contact the University of Alaska
at Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute.
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