Chasing the Aurora

Abstract: The aurora is nature’s most spectacular light show and a striking example of the complex space-weather interactions between the Sun and Earth. Studying the aurora helps us understand how plasma processes in Earth’s magnetosphere map into the atmosphere, as well as the dynamics of the coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system. Some of the earliest studies relied on reports from crew members and scientists on expeditions to the North and South Poles, and since the early 1900s photography has been used to document the aurora’s behavior. Within the past decade, consumer camera technology has advanced to the point where even smartphones can capture scientifically useful photos of auroral phenomena. Combined with growing public interest in the aurora and the approaching solar maximum, now is the time to leverage this enthusiasm and the capabilities of aurora chasers. This presentation will focus on the science of the aurora, the impact of space weather on society, and the use of citizen (participatory) aurora science as a research tool and framework for collaboration. Recent, impactful participatory-science efforts will be highlighted, including online projects, camera platforms, and campaigns that gather observations in coordination with space- and ground-based missions. Bio: Vincent Ledvina is a second-year Ph.D. student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He received his B.S. in Physics from the University of North Dakota and is also pursuing a graduate certificate in space weather forecasting from Millersville University. Aside from his current research, which focuses on analyzing auroral beads and what causes the onset of auroral substorms, he is passionate about sharing his love for the northern lights with others. Part of Vincent’s work involves leveraging participatory science data from aurora chasers who can provide valuable insights into how particularly rare auroral phenomena are created. Vincent also runs aurora photography workshops in Fairbanks and is a professional photographer and aurora chaser himself. You may know Vincent as “The Aurora Guy” on social media where he posts videos of the aurora to a combined audience of almost one million followers across different platforms. Outside of Alaska, Vincent is spending his third year with the Aerospace Corporation’s Space Sciences Applications Lab in El Segundo, California, as an intern. Recently Vincent also joined the Space Weather Advisory Group, a federal advisory committee serving the White House, as their first-ever student representative.