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Witnessing the Northern Lights is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences on the planet, and in today’s interview episode we’re going to hear what it feels like to stand beneath them - a cascade of color raining down from the sky all around you.

In Norse mythology the Aurora were the armour of the Valkyries. The Inuit saw spirits playing in the sky. The Sami hid indoors in fear. And science has its own story too, because what we are really witnessing is the energy of the sun itself, travelling 93 million miles across space, and exploding into color in our atmosphere. We may now be able to explain them scientifically, but their effect on us is unchanged.

This is a story about the science of solar winds and magnetic fields, the mythology of ancient cultures who saw gods and fire in the sky, and the art of chasing something wild, unpredictable and utterly mesmerizing.

Taking us deeper into that experience is Tom Kerss, one of the world's leading Aurora experts. Tom's passion for the Aurora is infectious, his knowledge extraordinary, and his way of describing what you see in that sky inspiring and poetic.

FIND OUT MORE

Produced in collaboration with Lonely Planet: lonelyplanet.com

Tom Kerss is one of the world's leading Aurora experts and the onboard Aurora guide for expedition cruise company Hurtigruten. They run spectacular trips along the Norwegian coast, and if this episode inspires you to go and see the lights for yourself you can travel with Tom on one of their astronomy voyages. Find out more at hurtigruten.com.

Connect with Tom and find out more about his work at tomkerss.com, or follow him on Instagram at @tomkerss.

Note: a full adventure documentary episode going on a Northern Lights expedition cruise up the Norwegian coast is coming next month. Hit follow so you don't miss it!

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CREDITS

Armchair Explorer is written and presented by Aaron Millar. Audio editing on this episode was by Jason Paton. Theme music by Sweet Chap. Produced by Armchair-Productions.com

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LONELY PLANET: The Aurora Chaser

Armchair Explorer

LONELY PLANET: The Aurora Chaser