Why do the Northern Lights dance, and where do their amazing colours come from? In this session, students will explore the connection between the Sun and our night sky. They will discover how tiny particles from the Sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field and gases high in the atmosphere, making them glow green, red, and purple. Students will also be introduced to stories about the Northern Lights from Arctic cultures, recognizing that each community has its own traditions. Through questions, discussion, and sharing their own skywatching experiences, students will explore how science and cultural knowledge enrich our understanding of this northern wonder.
Dr. Svetlana Barkanova is a professor of physics at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, and an NSERC Chair for Inclusion in Science and Engineering. She explores how the universe works—from the smallest subatomic particles to the fusion that powers our Sun and the mysteries of dark matter—and is excited to share its beauty and wonders with audiences of all ages.
