SIMULATING THE AURORA BOREALIS
Date
2000-03-23
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Abstract
We present an algorithm to simulate a natural phenomenon of great
visual beauty and considerable scientific interest, the aurora borealis,
commonly known as the "northern lights". The algorithm is based on the current
understanding of the physical origin of the aurora. This natural display is
mainly caused by high-energy electrons originating in the Sun entering the
Earth's atmosphere in narrow regions centered on the magnetic poles. These
electrons collide with atmospheric atoms which are excited to higher energy
levels. These excited atoms emit rapidly varying visible light in a
curtain-like volume as they return to lower energy levels thereby creating the
aurora. By simulating these light emissions along with the spatial and
temporal distribution of the entering electrons, we are able to render the
major visual aspects of the auroral displays. This approach also allows the
representation of time-dependent features that characterize the dynamic nature
of the aurorae. The applicability of this auroral model for artistic and
research purposes is illustrated through comparisons of synthetic images with
real auroral displays.
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Computer Science