Auroras, a Belgian specialty too?

The study of the impact of solar activity on planets and small bodies in the solar system has given rise to a relatively new science: space weather, in which Belgian scientific institutes are strongly involved. One of the most beautiful manifestations of solar activity remains the auroras, visible on many planets that have a magnetic field. Our research team at the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (IASB) regularly travels to Norway and Finland to observe auroras, using multiple instruments to model and better understand these phenomena.

We will first explore the connection between the Sun and auroras, and how auroras appear on different planets, illustrated with photos and videos taken in Norway, in the case of Earth. I will also present some research studies conducted in Belgium onauroras, and conclude with a few tips to help you prepare your own trip to the North to observe them yourself.