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Aurora over Paris, 1869
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Aurora over Paris, 1869
Aurora borealis or northern lights display, over Paris, France, on 13 May 1869, historical artwork. Aurorae, displays of coloured lights in the sky, are rarely seen outside the polar regions. They appear when charged particles of the solar wind are drawn by Earths magnetic field to the poles, where they collide with gas atoms and molecules, causing them to emit light. The displays can be hundreds of kilometres above the Earth. One reason for auroral displays being seen outside the polar regions is a rise in solar activity. Historical records show that solar activity was increasing in 1869 and peaked in 1870. Artwork by A. Marie, from The Atmosphere (1873) by Camille Flammarion
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Media ID 6373313
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1869 1873 Astrophysical Astrophysics Atmospheric Phenomenon Aurora Aurora Borealis Building Buildings Camille Flammarion City France French Lithograph Meteorological Meteorology Night Sky Northern Lights Rare River Seine Solar Activity Space Weather The Atmosphere Urban Weather Solar Maximum
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This print titled "Aurora over Paris, 1869" takes us back in time to witness a rare and mesmerizing natural phenomenon. The artwork depicts the ethereal beauty of the Aurora borealis or northern lights illuminating the night sky above the enchanting city of Paris, France. The year was 1869, an era when such displays of colored lights were seldom seen outside the polar regions. Aurorae occur when charged particles from the solar wind are attracted by Earth's magnetic field towards its poles, colliding with gas atoms and molecules that emit radiant light. These celestial spectacles can occur hundreds of kilometers above our planet's surface. What makes this particular occurrence even more extraordinary is that auroral displays like these were rarely witnessed outside their usual habitat due to low solar activity levels. However, historical records reveal that during this period, solar activity was on a rise and reached its peak in 1870. This stunning lithograph by A. Marie captures not only the magnificence of this atmospheric phenomenon but also serves as a testament to humanity's fascination with both art and science during the late 19th century. As we gaze upon this historical masterpiece from Camille Flammarion's book "The Atmosphere" we are transported back in time to marvel at nature's awe-inspiring wonders against a backdrop of iconic French architecture along the serene Seine River. This remarkable piece invites us to appreciate how art can beautifully intertwine with meteorology, astrophysics, and history while reminding us of our place within a vast universe governed by cosmic forces beyond our control.
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