“How the Earth Rides the Solar Wind”

Presenters: James Slinkman and Josh Kuckens

ABSTRACT: We will explore how the Earth’s magnetic field protects us from dangerous high energy particle radiation which is carried to Earth from the Sun by the “Solar Wind”. We’ll explore how this reaction manifests itself via the generation of beautiful visible Aurora (aka the “Northern Lights”) in the Earth’s atmosphere. The key quantum mechanisms which are involved are briefly described. Images and videos of many of the phenomena, including the recent Vermont Aurora will figure prominently in the presentation.