Image Courtesy Of: Windows2Universe
Magnetic
fields are the
driving force of the aurora. Literally. Although planets can occasionally create weak aurora
performances using
only an atmosphere,
magnetic fields are responsible for taking aurora displays to the next
level of intensity.
The
specific creation
of a magnetic field can often be hidden in mystery. Although physics
dictates a universal formation protocol, how this protocol is employed
varies wildly
from
one
planet to
the next. Magnetic fields, in an
abstract sense, are created by passing an electric current over a
medium. How this current is created, whether from a molten core,
charged particles flying over head, or the compression of planetary
composition layers, is left to random chance.
Image Courtesy Of: National
Geographic
When
an
electric
current
creates
a
magnetic
field,
magnetic poles are established by the
movement of mobile, negatively charged particles. A magnetic dipole is
the grand result—a
field
with both positive and negative poles,
created by the flow of electric charges.
Magnetic
fields,
because
they
are
essentially
highways
for
electric
charges, are the perfect shuttles for our sun's solar winds! Planets
with good magnetic fields are primed for a fantastic aurora experience.
The component of our
atmosphere that reacts with solar winds via our magnetic field is
known as the magnetosphere. Shown below, earth's magnetosphere is
the hardworking, solar wind particle pushing, unseen hero of our aurora
displays.
Image
Courtesy
Of:
Astronomy Notes
The following image displays northern
magnetic field activity. On March
13, 1989, disturbances in the earth's magnetic field were heightened to
astronomical levels. Because of the increased
disturbance activity,
later known as the Great Geomagnetic Storm, Canada's Hydro Quebec
system was completely knocked out.
This is less than 5
minutes of recorded field activity! Our magnetic field is legitimately
amazing!
Image Courtesy Of: MetatechCorp