Aurora Australis: Science in Auckland & live link to Scott Base

Aurora is one of Nature's wonders - and is caused by processes which start on the Sun 150 million kilometres from Earth. It is common in the polar regions, but during disturbed periods will be seen closer to the equator (in extreme cases, potentially reaching Auckland). Auroral research at Scott Base dates back to the days of Captain Scott.

Craig Rodger will talk with us in Auckland and focus on the scientific basis of aurora, and touch on the history behind it.

In a live link with Scott Base we will also talk with Jonny Harrison, who is the Winter Leader at Scott Base. Jonny has shared many amazing pictures of aurora during the long Antarctic night. With some luck, we may be able to see some aurora live, and at the very least, have Jonny share the story behind some of his beautiful pictures with Craig on hand to add the science.

Craig is the Head of Otago University's Physics Department, and the leader of their Space Physics Research group. He works with both space-based and ground based data, and has experiments located in the Antarctic and Arctic. Over the last 11 years he has travelled to Scott Base three times. He is well known in Dunedin and beyond for giving active and entertaining presentations.

Jonny Harrison is Winter Leader at Scott Base, and is the middle of his second winter-over in a row!