: When these charged solar particles slam into gases in Earth's ionosphere (roughly 100 to 250 kilometers high), they excite the gas atoms. As the atoms return to their normal energy state, they release energy in the form of light.
For the casual modeler, tracking down a Polar Lights Casey might seem excessive. You could buy a modern Bandai Star Wars kit for $30 and have a better engineering experience.
, scientifically classified as the aurora australis in the southern hemisphere, represent one of the planet's most striking optical events. While their northern counterpart, the aurora borealis , draws massive tourism to Scandinavia and Canada, the southern lights remain elusive, shadowed by the vast, unpopulated expanses of the Southern Ocean. However, at Casey Research Station , an outpost managed by the Australian Antarctic Program , these polar lights manifest with unparalleled clarity and brilliance. Situated on the edge of the massive Antarctic ice cap, Casey Station serves as a premier terrestrial window into the complex physics of space weather. The Science Behind the Glow Polar Lights Casey
The brilliant colors seen above Casey depend entirely on the specific gases being hit and the altitude of the impact:
Casey’s work is unique because they specifically chase According to Casey’s blog, "Most people leave when the clouds roll in. I wait for the break. The most violent auroras happen right before the storm dies." : When these charged solar particles slam into
Collisions with oxygen molecules release energy in the form of bright green and rare deep-red light. Collisions with nitrogen molecules produce brilliant blue and violet hues.
[Perth, Australia] │ ▼ ~3,880 km [Casey Station, Antarctica] ──► Low, rocky Windmill Islands │ ▼ ~2,600 km [South Pole] You could buy a modern Bandai Star Wars
When these fast-moving particles strike atoms of oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the ionosphere, energy is transferred.
Given the high value, knock-offs have appeared. Beware of "recasts" (kits made from bootleg rubber molds). Here is how to authenticate a genuine Polar Lights Casey:
: The best displays often occur during severe geomagnetic storms, which can create vibrant pinks, deep purples, and blues visible even to the naked eye. Which topic were you looking for? Model Building : If you are looking to purchase or build a model, visit Casey's Toys Polar Lights section
If you are lucky enough to find an unbuilt Polar Lights Casey kit today (typically running between $150 and $400 USD on eBay), should you build it or keep it sealed?