The Sound of the Northern Lights Clapping
People have long reported that they've heard strange clapping sounds coming from the Northern Lights. But scientists tended to ignore these reports. The people hearing the sounds were told they were imagining them, or that the sounds were coming from sources such as trees or falling ice. But now Finnish researchers at Aalto University have recorded the Aurora Borealis actually making these snapping/clapping sounds, and have confirmed (to their satisfaction) that the sounds couldn't have been coming from anywhere else. More info at space.com and at the researcher's website.
Comments
No sense listening to the locals they, generally don't know sh1t about what's been going on in their neighborhood for the past zillion years.
REMEMBER: It ain't science if it ain't funded by tax dollars.
REMEMBER: It ain't science if it ain't funded by tax dollars.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 07/28/12 at 09:14 AM
I have heard those noises before myself. Had no idea what it was and when I said something everybody said I was nuts.
Posted by Rev on 07/28/12 at 11:48 AM
Hay, Rev, are you old enough to remember when we saw the Northern Lights way down in the Midwest?
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 07/28/12 at 11:51 AM
Well DUH! It is atmospheric and electric phenomenon, of course it would make some noise. Like thunder but since it is seen at greater distances and is not as close to the ground people do not always hear it. At least that would make sense to me, but then I am not a scientist, just a reasonably intelligent person who does not discount everything I do not see first hand. But like Expat indicated, there is a whole lot of money in research, even research of the obvious.
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 07/29/12 at 12:32 AM
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 07/29/12 at 01:22 AM
Some things just seem obvious to me, but maybe I am wrong. Wouldn't be the first or last time for that. BTW, did you get religion honey?
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 07/29/12 at 01:26 AM
It's so obvious, Patty, that without the natives' input one wouldn't have to delve too deeply into the gray matter to, at least, accept the idea.
And, no.
And, no.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 07/29/12 at 01:30 AM
What is the sound of only one light clapping, grasshopper? :long:
Posted by done on 07/29/12 at 10:01 PM
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Category: Nature | Natural Wonders | Noises and Other Public Disturbances of the Peace | Science