Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Domestic News
February 8, 1961
The Nome Nugget
Nome, Nome County, Alaska
What is this article about?
Dr. James Van Allen, head of the State University of Iowa physics department, describes the Northern Lights as billions of fireflies in Earth's atmosphere, caused by solar flares sending particles that alter the outer radiation zone, leading to auroral displays visible across northern U.S.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Northern Lights are
Like a Billion Fireflies
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - The Northern Lights were described as like billions of fireflies turned loose in the earth's atmosphere.
The description came from noted space scientist Dr. James Van Allen in an analysis of data from four U. S. satellites and two deep space probes.
Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are brilliant spectacles of flashing light occasionally seen over the Northern Hemisphere.
Van Allen, 46, head of the State University of Iowa physics department, said, "the first thing that happens is a solar flare, a big explosion on the sun that throws out a big plume. Billions of particles are sent zipping through space."
"Data sent back by the satellites show that within a day or a day and a half after the solar flare there is a big change in the shape of the outer radiation zone around the earth."
"The intensity of radiation within the zone drops way down and at the same time extraordinary Northern Lights are seen across the north part of the United States."
Earlier observations by Van Allen have led to naming two radiation belts in outer space after him.
Van Allen said it is within the realm of possibility that the Northern Lights can be predicted in the future.
Like a Billion Fireflies
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - The Northern Lights were described as like billions of fireflies turned loose in the earth's atmosphere.
The description came from noted space scientist Dr. James Van Allen in an analysis of data from four U. S. satellites and two deep space probes.
Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are brilliant spectacles of flashing light occasionally seen over the Northern Hemisphere.
Van Allen, 46, head of the State University of Iowa physics department, said, "the first thing that happens is a solar flare, a big explosion on the sun that throws out a big plume. Billions of particles are sent zipping through space."
"Data sent back by the satellites show that within a day or a day and a half after the solar flare there is a big change in the shape of the outer radiation zone around the earth."
"The intensity of radiation within the zone drops way down and at the same time extraordinary Northern Lights are seen across the north part of the United States."
Earlier observations by Van Allen have led to naming two radiation belts in outer space after him.
Van Allen said it is within the realm of possibility that the Northern Lights can be predicted in the future.
What sub-type of article is it?
Weather
What keywords are associated?
Northern Lights
Aurora Borealis
Solar Flare
Radiation Belts
Van Allen
What entities or persons were involved?
Dr. James Van Allen
Where did it happen?
Iowa City, Iowa
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Iowa City, Iowa
Key Persons
Dr. James Van Allen
Event Details
Dr. James Van Allen analyzes satellite data to explain that solar flares send particles altering Earth's outer radiation zone, causing intense Northern Lights visible across northern U.S.