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Recent research is close to revealing many of the remaining mysteries about the natural phenomenon. In Simo Sipola's documentary, researchers reveal their findings about the influence of the northern lights on animal behavior and human transport infrastructure. The film also explains why solar storms pose a threat to humanity. The northern lights have fascinated humanity for thousands of years. Now research is close to revealing many of the mysteries surrounding the natural phenomenon. In "Northern Lights - Fascination and Threat," scientists reveal their findings about the influence of solar storms on animal behavior and human transport infrastructure. Solar storms can even pose a threat to humanity: in extreme cases, they can damage satellites, slow down air traffic, and paralyze high-voltage and telecommunications networks. "Thanks to predictions about the behavior of near-Earth space, we can warn authorities about the necessary protective measures for power grids or satellites. This is becoming increasingly important because our infrastructures are becoming more and more connected to space," says Minna Palmroth, professor of space physics at the University of Helsinki. The northern lights are created when electrically charged particles from the solar wind hit the Earth's magnetic field. The documentary not only explains the causes of the natural phenomenon, but also its effects on the chemical composition and temperature of the atmosphere. "We are currently developing new calculation models for the climate. In the coming years - perhaps as early as the next twelve months - we will have new results," says Esa Turunen, director of the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory in northern Finland. An estimate of the contribution of the northern lights to climate change is due to be published in 2020 in the report of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). The documentary also shows how solar storms influence the migration of humpback and sperm whales. Documentary by Simo Sipola (FIN/F 2019, 52 min) #polarlights #naturalphenomenon #solarstorms Available until 17/01/2025 Link to the media library: https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/080102-... Subscribe to ARTE's YouTube channel: / artede Follow us on social networks: Facebook: / arte.tv Twitter: / artede Instagram: / arte.tv