High above Earth, glowing bands of color dance, shimmer, and soar across the night sky. Whether you know them as the northern or southern lights, auroras are one of nature’s most dazzling spectacles. It’s hard not to marvel—why do they exist? Joan Marie Galat explores the answer in this addition to the Dot to Dot in the Sky series, revealing the incredible cosmic circumstances that lead to such brilliant displays of light.
Find out what happens when solar winds strike the Earth’s atmosphere and electrical and magnetic forces react together. Then go back in time to discover how ancient cultures explained the mysterious lights. Meet a Norse frost giant that refuses to marry, a chief who follows his son across the Milky Way, and a seven-headed monster yet to lose a fight. From celestial fires to dancing spirits, auroras have taken many meanings over time. These rich tales, with stunning illustrations and full-colour photographs, are the perfect way to discover this spectacular phenomenon for yourself.
Having
watched the aurora from space, I’ve known the unique thrill of seeing the
lights swirl over the planet. Joan Marie Galat captures the science and
remarkable folklore of the aurora in Stories of the Aurora, an
inspirational collection of tales that makes the reader want to experience their
beauty first hand.
Dr. Dave Williams, Canadian Astronaut
"There are
two ways to look at the Northern Lights; scientifically, as a stream of
energetic particles shot out from the sun colliding with the Earth's
atmosphere, or mythologically, as a wondrous dance of spirits in the sky. Joan
Marie Galat provides both in this delightful blend of science and stories from
around the world, that capture the most beautiful and magical celestial show to
be seen by human eyes."
Bob McDonald, Science Journalist/Host of CBC's
Quirks & Quarks
Stories of the Aurora by Joan Marie Galat is
an engaging book that delves into why auroras both amazed and
frightened our ancestors. The next time you look skyward in hopes of
seeing the northern or southern lights, think of the early storytellers and
their lively interpretations of this natural marvel.
James Foster, Ph.D. scientist
emeritus, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
