Memory Alpha
Memory Alpha
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The '''aurora borealis''' is a naturally-occurring colored [[light]] display that appears in the [[sky]] of the northern latitudes of the [[planet]] [[Earth]]. The effect is produced by the collision of charged particles, mostly [[electron]]s but also [[proton]]s and heavier particles, from the magnetosphere, with [[atom]]s and [[molecule]]s of the Earth's upper [[atmosphere]].
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The '''aurora borealis''' is a naturally-occurring colored [[light]] display that appears in the [[sky]] of the northern latitudes of the [[planet]] [[Earth]]. The effect is produced by the collision of charged particles, mostly [[electron]]s but also [[proton]]s and heavier particles, from the magnetosphere, with [[atom]]s and [[molecule]]s of the Earth's upper [[atmosphere]].
   
 
In [[1893]], [[Samuel Clemens]] mentioned [[Alaska]]'s aurora borealis to a young [[Jack London]], saying that he should follow his dreams and write about them. ({{TNG|Time's Arrow, Part II}})
 
In [[1893]], [[Samuel Clemens]] mentioned [[Alaska]]'s aurora borealis to a young [[Jack London]], saying that he should follow his dreams and write about them. ({{TNG|Time's Arrow, Part II}})
   
In [[2375]], [[Captain]] [[Kathryn Janeway]] compared the ''[[kolyan kolyar]]'', astronomical phenomenon that occurred in the [[Delta Quadrant]], to the aurora borealis. ({{VOY|Counterpoint}})
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In [[2375]], [[Captain]] [[Kathryn Janeway]] compared the ''[[kolyan kolyar]]'', an astronomical phenomenon that occurred in the [[Delta Quadrant]], to the aurora borealis. ({{VOY|Counterpoint}})
   
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== Background information ==
{{bginfo|The script of {{TOS|Where No Man Has Gone Before}} draws a parallel between the aurora borealis and the [[galactic barrier]], describing the latter as "a display of energy similar to Earth's Aurora Borealis, a flaring curtain of energy."}}
 
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Earth's aurora borealis is referred to in several scripts. The script of {{TOS|Where No Man Has Gone Before}} draws a parallel between the aurora borealis and the [[galactic barrier]], describing the latter as "''a display of energy similar to Earth's Aurora Borealis, a flaring curtain of energy.''" Similarly, the screenplay of {{film|1}} describes the [[V'Ger]] cloud, when seen from a distance at the start of the film, as vaguely resembling "''an Aurora Borealis: flaring colors from the fringes, beautiful yet ominous.''" [http://www.st-minutiae.com/academy/literature329/tmp.txt] In the final scene of the script for {{DS9|Chimera}}, [[Odo]] is said to transform into "''a gossamer cloud of plasma-like energy, an aurora borealis of golden color and light.''" [http://www.st-minutiae.com/academy/literature329/564.txt]
   
 
== External link ==
 
== External link ==

Revision as of 11:58, 25 August 2011

The aurora borealis is a naturally-occurring colored light display that appears in the sky of the northern latitudes of the planet Earth. The effect is produced by the collision of charged particles, mostly electrons but also protons and heavier particles, from the magnetosphere, with atoms and molecules of the Earth's upper atmosphere.

In 1893, Samuel Clemens mentioned Alaska's aurora borealis to a young Jack London, saying that he should follow his dreams and write about them. (TNG: "Time's Arrow, Part II")

In 2375, Captain Kathryn Janeway compared the kolyan kolyar, an astronomical phenomenon that occurred in the Delta Quadrant, to the aurora borealis. (VOY: "Counterpoint")

Background information

Earth's aurora borealis is referred to in several scripts. The script of TOS: "Where No Man Has Gone Before" draws a parallel between the aurora borealis and the galactic barrier, describing the latter as "a display of energy similar to Earth's Aurora Borealis, a flaring curtain of energy." Similarly, the screenplay of Star Trek: The Motion Picture describes the V'Ger cloud, when seen from a distance at the start of the film, as vaguely resembling "an Aurora Borealis: flaring colors from the fringes, beautiful yet ominous." [1] In the final scene of the script for DS9: "Chimera", Odo is said to transform into "a gossamer cloud of plasma-like energy, an aurora borealis of golden color and light." [2]

External link