Glows and atmospheric effects

Abstract

Glows of various kinds are seen in the sky. Some, such as rainbows and haloes, are purely meteorological, while others, notably the Zodiacal Light, are purely astronomical. Of these glows, much the most famous – and the most spectacular – are the aurorae, northern and southern. AURORAE Aurorae or polar lights (Aurora Borealis in the northern hemisphere, Aurora Australis in the southern) must have been observed from early times, since they are often strikingly brilliant. The Northern and Southern Lights are of the same type, but obviously the northern displays arc better known, because the Southern Lights are not well seen from inhabited countries. They are sometimes visible from the southern parts of South America and New Zealand and occasionally from South Africa, but most of the displays over the ages must have been enjoyed only by penguins. Legends and folklore Aurorae have a major role in folklore, particularly of northern peoples. Here is a description given by the Inuit of the Hudson's Bay: The sky is a huge dome of hard material arched over the flat Earth. On the outside there is light. In the dome there are many small holes, and through these holes you can see the light from the outside when it is dark. And though these holes the spirits of the dead can pass into the heavenly regions. The way to heaven leads over a narrow bridge which spans an enormous abyss. The spirits that, were already in heaven light torches to guide the feet of the new arrivals. These torches are called the Northern Lights.