'Beyond the Lights: Measuring the Magnetic Aurora' (Science for Alaska Lecture Series)

February 2, 2021

University Relations

The UAF Geophysical Institute presents the virtual 2021 Science for Alaska Lecture Series.

Tune in at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays to learn about exciting science from measuring the aurora, monitoring whale populations with unmanned aircraft, and participating in the largest Arctic expedition in history. RSVP to watch on Zoom or watch live from the UAF or GI Facebook pages.

On Tuesday, Feb. 9, Carl Tape and Don Hampton will present “Beyond the Lights: Measuring the Magnetic Aurora.”

What can geophysics tell us about the aurora borealis, and how do scientists measure its activity? In this talk, we’ll show how an advanced array of geophysical equipment installed across the state of Alaska is shedding new light on one of the Arctic’s oldest wonders. Scientists are redefining how we see the aurora using everything from Alaska’s six all-sky cameras to devices that measure space weather. Join us as we take you on a tour of these changing views, from the 1716 discovery that the aurora is magnetic, to the new discovery that 200 seismometers installed across Alaska — normally used to measure earthquakes — can measure the aurora’s fluctuations.

For more information visit Science for Alaska Lecture Series website or the Facebook event page. 

Talks are free and for the public. All ages are encouraged to attend.