Médaille d'or dans la catégorie « Paysage / Nature / Eau »

Several hundred kilometres above Earth’s surface lies the Magnetosphere, the magnetic envelope of the planet. The magnetosphere extends into space and shields the Earth from the harmful effects of solar wind (streams of charged particles emitted by the Sun), such as the stripping away of the atmosphere and the erosion of surface materials. Thus, the magnetosphere is essential to safeguard life on Earth.

When charged particles from solar wind collide with the Earth’s atmosphere the gases emit light. These particles are trapped within the magnetosphere, which guides them towards the Earth’s polar regions, creating the mesmerising displays of light known as the auroras – australis in the Southern pole and borealis in the northern pole (or just Southern and Northern lights).

The auroras are some of the most fascinating phenomenae of the Earth System and one of the sensible features, along with compasses, of the invisible Magnetosphere. This essay explore patterns, shapes and textures created by the Magnetosphere of the Earth above the cold Arctic waters.