Celsius' Aurora Borealis Research
The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, are a gorgeous phenomenon that occur when charged protons and electrons are emitted from the sun. These protons and electrons are also referred to as solar wind, which intrude through the Earth's magnetic shield. Once this solar wind makes it through, it interferes with molecules and atoms in our atmosphere. This interference causes bursts of light, which is what we see in the sky. These displays happen in the polar regions and can range in color from green to red to purple and pink.
In 1733, Celsius published a collection of 316 observations of the aurora borealis. These observations were made by himself and other reserchers between the years 1716-1732. In these oberservations, Celsius noticed that there were significant magnetic fluctuations happening whenever the aurora was viewed. He was the first to make this connection and suggest that the aurora borealis and the Earth's magnetic field were related. Later scientists have studied Celsius' observations and expanded on his theories to what we now understand the aurora borealis to be.
