The Aurora Borealis made an appearance over parts of the country where it isn't typically seen, including the night sky across Owensboro, Kentucky's Ben Hawes Park. Keep reading to see photos captured in Owensboro.

Aurora Borealis aka Northern Lights

The Aurora Borealis, commonly referred to as the Northern Lights, is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the polar regions of the Earth. It is a stunning display of colorful lights that appear in the sky, usually in the form of green, pink, or red streaks, arcs, and patterns. The lights are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.

Northern Lights are Less Common in Some Parts of the World

The Northern Lights are typically visible from late September to early April, and the best time to view them is during the winter months when the nights are longer and darker. The lights are most commonly seen in countries like Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska, but they can also occasionally be seen as far south as the far northern portions of the United States.

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Myths and Legends of the Aurora Borealis

 

The Aurora Borealis is a fascinating and beautiful natural phenomenon, and it has been the subject of many myths and legends throughout history. Many cultures believe that the lights have spiritual or supernatural significance, and they are often associated with good luck, fertility, and even the souls of departed loved ones.

The Science of Aurora Borealis

From a scientific perspective, the Aurora Borealis is a result of the sun's solar wind interacting with the Earth's magnetic field. The charged particles from the sun are drawn towards the Earth's magnetic poles, and when they collide with the atoms in the Earth's atmosphere, they create the colorful light display we see in the sky.

Northern Lights Spotted in Kentucky

Despite not typically being visible in southern Indiana or Kentucky, many in our area were able to take in the wonders of the Northern Lights thanks to some coronal mass ejections from the sun. Local resident, Tyler Shields was able to capture a few photos and has shared them with us. He tells us the photos were taken in Owensboro, Kentucky near Ben Hawes Park. See Tyler's photos below.

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There is no doubt that the Aurora Borealis is a remarkable natural phenomenon that has captured the imagination of people for centuries. Whether you believe in the spiritual significance of the lights or simply appreciate their beauty, the Aurora Borealis is a breathtaking display of nature's power and wonder.

[Source: New York Times]

LOOK: 31 breathtaking images from NASA's public library

In 2017, NASA opened the digital doors to its image and video library website, allowing the public to access more than 140,000 images, videos, and audio files. The collection provides unprecedented views of space. Stacker reviewed the collection to select 31 of the most breathtaking images, including the first from the James Webb Space Telescope. Keep reading to see these stunning images, curated with further information about the captured scenes.

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