Jim Wild is professor of space
physics at Lancaster University
WHY DO YOU FIND THE AURORA
BOREALIS SO INTERESTING?
I’ve always been fascinated by
our planet’s connection to the
solar system. The Northern
Lights are visible evidence of
that: the outer atmosphere
glows with ghostly light as
electrically charged particles
from space are guided along
the Earth’s magnetic ield.
What’s not to love?
WHERE DID YOU SEE THE LIGHTS
AT THEIR MOST PROMINENT?
I was doing ieldwork at a
remote radar station near
Tromsø in Norway while
studying for my doctorate. I
was wearing all the layers I had
in temperatures of -30C when
I was treated to an epic display
that illed the sky.
WHERE WOULD YOU
RECOMMEND FAMILIES VISIT
TO SPOT THEM?
In Iceland you can combine
your hunt for the aurora
borealis with glaciers,
volcanoes, hot springs and
whale watching.
WHERE IN THE UK IS THE BEST
PLACE TO SPOT THE LIGHTS?
Typically, the Northern Lights
are only seen from the British
Isles a few times a year. But the
further north you travel, the
better your chances. Follow
@aurorawatchuk on Twitter to
boost your chances by trying
to ind dark spots without light
pollution and with a clear view
of the northern horizon.
jwild.co.uk
Q&A
PROFESSOR
JIM WILDTRAVELLER 10October 2019 163