Aurora hunters Photo: Stuart Thompson

This dark season we take inspiration from an age-old form of public event the Lantern Lecture – a form of diversion and education from the 1870s through the early 1900s. The magic lantern illustrated scientific lectures, entertainment, current events discussion, political campaigns, missionary fundraising, and humanitarian causes.

For November’s lecture we look to the dark skies to learn about Svalbard’s Aurora Chasers and why Svalbard is such a special place to watch the northern lights. Katie Herlingshaw is an aurora researcher at UNIS. She’s been living in Longyearbyen for the past 7 years and still there are many unanswered questions about the aurora over Svalbard. In this lecture Katie will talk about the different types of aurora you can see from Svalbard and what the northern lights researchers are especially interested in. She will explain what causes the aurora and how you can predict when to put on your down jacket and head outside to watch and take photos.

Katie also needs your help with her aurora research, especially if you are a photographer! Learn how you can get involved in auroral citizen science on Svalbard and how the Longyearbyen scientists and public can work together to solve the mysteries of the northern lights.

This event is free and takes place at Artica. No booking required.

(Talk presented in English)

This project was made possible by the support of Fritt Ord.