Physics Seminar

 

The History and Science of Auroras

 

Douglas Young Department of Physics Mercer University
	Wednesday 3/23/2005 4:30 pm Willet Science Center 101

 

Auroras have long been a source of awe and mystery. This talk will provide a brief history of man's experiences with these wondrous astronomical events. The focus will be on humanity's attempts to understand them, from antiquity to modern day. The experiments performed over the last century to try and understand auroras will be briefly discussed, followed by a description of the causes and mechanisms of aurora formation as currently understood. The talk will end with a discussion of the open questions remaining in aurora research.

Please join us for light refreshments at 4:15pm outside WSC 109.