Explore the Secrets of the Aurora Borealis

Submitted by Vicki Daniels
Phone: (907) 474-5823
01/16/03

Explore the secrets of the aurora borealis, a spectacular phenomenon that decorates Alaska’s night skies. Learn about the legends and science behind the aurora at a free presentation intended for people of all ages.

International Arctic Research Center Director and UAF Professor of Geophysics Syun-Ichi Akasofu will present a free public lecture exploring the secrets of the aurora borealis at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 at the Chena River Convention Center in Fairbanks.

During his multimedia presentation, Akasofu will present colorful images of the aurora and reveal how the aurora is studied. His lecture will review traditional Alaska Native legends and refer to scientific explanations behind the hauntingly beautiful phenomenon. He’ll also discuss methods used to predict when auroras will occur.

The lecture is the first of six weekly presentations included in the 2003 Science for Alaska free public lecture series, coordinated by the UAF Geophysical Institute and sponsored by the Alaska Science and Technology Foundation and the University of Alaska.

All lectures will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesdays in the Chena River Convention Center from Jan. 21 through Feb. 25. The lectures have traditionally been held at the Noel Wien Library, however they were moved to the Chena River Convention Center to allow more room for the beyond-capacity crowds that attended last year.

For more information about the lectures, call the Geophysical Institute at (907) 474-7558 or visit Quick Links Geophysical Institute website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Biographical information about Syun-Ichi Akasofu and a comprehensive schedule of the statewide series can be found on the Science for Alaska free public lecture series Web site.

CONTACT:
Note: Due to the holiday, these contacts will not be available for comment Monday, Jan. 20.

Syun-Ichi Akasofu, International Arctic Research Center Director and Professor of Geophysics, UAF: (907) 474-6012

Vicki Daniels, UAF Geophysical Institute Public Relations Specialist: (907) 474-7558