In collaboration with Convergence, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in Convergence Volume 21 in 2013, we present this story on on the aurora borealis, nature’s fickle yet completely mesmerising light show.
Mystifying and fascinating mankind throughout the ages, the light show that is the aurora borealis takes place in the dark skies of the north magnetic pole. Also known as the ‘Northern Lights’, this amazing show is the natural reaction of green oxygen particles with blue/red nitrogen atoms which illuminate the sky in a stunning array of colours. Together with the aurora australis (Southern Lights), both occurrences attract people from thousands of kilometres away. Convergence explores the natural phenomenon and delves into the superstitions, myths and modern-day scientific explanations behind this remarkably beautiful display.
Ruler Of The Sky
‘Aurora borealis’ is derived from the roman Goddess of Dawn, ‘Aurora’ and the God of the northern rulers, ‘Borealis’. As its name suggests, the mysterious aurora borealis has resulted in many interesting myths, legends and superstitions. The Finnish name for the northern lights, revontulet is associated with the arctic fox, and in the Finnish folk tale, a fox runs in the north, touching the mountains with its fur and resulting in sparks flying off into the sky. Yet another fascinating belief comes from the Labrador eskimos who live on the west coast of Greenland. Their tradition has it that the aurora borealis are torches lit by spirits who are playing football in the heavens with a walrus skull.
Legendary Warriors
The Vikings had a grander concept. in Norse mythology, the Valkyries (immortal, war-like virgins) gallop across the night sky upon their horses, armed with helmets, spears and armour that radiate and shimmer in the darkness. From horizon to horizon, the spectacular lights of red, blue, violet and green enchant the mortals below. The Middle-Age Europeans had a similar legend, attributing the northern lights to be the breath of heavenly warriors, as they battle in the skies forever, a reward for their noble and patriotic endeavours on earth, and their sacrifice for king and country.
An Alaskan Experience
Although the aurora is active year round and can be seen in many different regions close to the poles, avid aurora-watchers consider Alaska in October as one of the best places to view it. This fascinating lightshow occurs most frequently here, because the aurora belt in Alaska’s Great interior and Arctic regions is among the most active in the world.
While you can potentially catch the northern lights throughout the state, the best place to observe the show is from Fairbanks. Geographically under the ‘aurora oval’, Fairbanks is high up and inland, and as its winter nights are longer in comparison to the south, the aurora borealis is often much brighter and more consistent here than in other places. numerous hotels and lodges near Fairbanks offer various packages for travellers who wish to experience the lightshow for themselves.
Regardless of ancient myths or modern-day scientific explanation, the aurora borealis has always and will continue to enrapture. Make a trip to Alaska to enjoy nature’s delightful theatre and be ready for a dazzlingly beautiful show!
