[ad_1]
Meteors and the northern lights were once again observed over Schleswig-Holstein on Tuesday evening – the expected climax of the Perseid meteor shower.
Not only is the Perseid meteor shower currently racing through the skies over Schleswig-Holstein, the sun is also very active right now. That’s why the northern lights were also visible over Schleswig-Holstein at the beginning of this week. Meteors are dust particles from the burning up of comets, while the northern lights are caused by charged particles from solar storms. These particles cause the Earth’s atmosphere to glow, explains Marco Ludwig of the Neumünster Observatory. The fact that both events can now be seen at the same time is indeed extraordinary.
Optimum visibility in dark environments
In principle, astronomers recommend observing the sky in places where there is not much artificial light. So, stay away from cities and away from street lights. Ludwig advises that you should not look at your phone from time to time. Because the screen brightness takes longer for the eyes to adapt to the darkness again.
How are the Northern Lights produced?
This phenomenon is caused by solar storms hitting the Earth’s magnetic field. Eruptions are currently taking place on the surface of the Sun. In addition to light, the smallest particles of matter are thrown towards the Earth: electrically charged electrons and protons. The Earth’s magnetic field absorbs these particles and directs them to the North and South Poles, which is why the natural wonder is often seen there. It looks like a glow in the sky, and then we see the Northern Lights on Earth.
This episode’s theme:
NDR 1 Pobe | News from Schleswig-Holstein | August 12, 2025 | 4:30 p.m.
[ad_2]
Source link
