Atmospheric Science
Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a natural light display predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic. This phenomenon results from the interaction between charged particles from the sun and Earth's magnetic field, leading to vibrant, dynamic patterns in the night sky.
Ionosphere
The ionosphere is the ionized region of Earth’s upper atmosphere where solar extreme ultraviolet and X‑ray radiation create a plasma of electrons and ions, strongly influencing the propagation of radio waves and satellite navigation signals. Extending roughly from 80 to over 600 km in altitude, it exhibits layered structure, strong diurnal and seasonal variability, and sensitivity to solar activity and geomagnetic storms.
Petrichor
Petrichor is the term for the characteristic earthy aroma that arises when rain falls on dry soil. Coined in 1964 by Australian researchers Isabel Joy Bear and R. G. Thomas, the scent reflects a combination of plant-derived oils, microbial metabolites such as geosmin, and physical processes that aerosolize these compounds during light to moderate rainfall.