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Northern Lights Phenomenon
Published: 01/29/2012 by David A.
[Also check out our Northern Lights Strain Review]
On Tuesday, January 24, the largest solar flares since 2005 graced Earth with its’ presence. This particular solar storm, referred to as “Northern Lights,” occur when extremely charged electrons from the solar wind interact with elements in the Earth’s atmosphere. Northern Lights is also known as its’ scientific name “Aurora Borealis.” While the Northern Lights could be seen across the globe, stargazers in Northern Europe were especially prevalent due to scientists’ prediction of the main location of the storm. On a scale of 1 to 5, the solar storm turned out to be a mild 2.
How often should we expect to see a solar storm? Well, the Northern Lights correlates with “sunspot activity.” What exactly is a sunspot? Simply put, a sunspot is a region of the Sun which is a different temperature than the rest of it. Monthly averages of the sunspot numbers present evidence that the number of sunspots visible on the sun have a period of approximately 11 years. The last time there was a period of maximum solar activity was 1990-1991, in which scientists predict that 2013 will be the year of the next solar maximum.
As many readers may know, the cannabis strain “Northern Lights” is named after the solar storm. The Northern Lights strain has won the Cannabis Cup in 1989, 1998, & 2009, as well as holds the title of having the most cannabis awards worldwide. It is an Indica strain and is known to be grown very easily. The Northern Lights strain is known to have a euphoric effect, as well as a great medicine to help with stress and anxiety!
Many of you by now may be wondering why a marijuana strain is named after a solar storm. Well, think of the “extremely charged electrons” as “extremely prevalent crystals” & the elements of Earth’s atmosphere as “elements of dense buds.” Imagine cannabis buds colliding with crystals---I am already salivating for my next session just thinking about it! J
[Also check out our Northern Lights Strain Review]
Something to Behold
Joe Dzhugash from Confusion, AL - 02/11/2012 - 12:38 pm
It's one of those natural phenomenon that every human needs to experience at least once - opinion only ,OK. Generally the best and most frequent displays are in the far north or south, Scandinavia, Alaska, New Zealand, sometimes South Africa. The southern event is known as Aurora Australis.
Nice Introduction
Paul Pot from LA, CA - 02/02/2012 - 08:52 pm
This is a nice article David. Northern Lights was actually an experiment from Dutch breeders to create a strain that was compact, high yield, and potent. It's a sativa/indica mix with heavy indica influences because of the its favorable growth profile. There were several Northern Lights versions, but the one that was most successful was Northern Lights #5 (NL #5).
I think that the Northern Lights actually stands for its heritage. NL = Netherlands.
Fun Fact: The phenomenon known as the "Northern Lights" also takes place in the southern hemisphere and is known as Aurora Australis.
Wow
420 Dude from AA, Michigan - 01/31/2012 - 09:26 pm
This is pretty cool. Notice that they name strains after super cool stuff and people. Pack it up Chuck
