The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are shimmering curtains of light thatilluminate the night sky across the north. Similar lights seen in southern polar regions are knownas the aurora australis. Interaction between the Sun and the Earth creates these lights. The aurorais powered by an electrical discharge that occurs when magnetism from solar winds collides withthe Earth’s upper atmosphere. Glowing molecules created by this collision form dancing bands ofmulticolored light that extend from forty to six hundred miles above the Earth.The aurora can cast a dramatic glow that illuminates the landscape. Athabascan and Iñupiaqpeople took advantage of this light to travel and hunt at night, even on moonless evenings. TheIñupiat also used the aurora for navigation because the most cohesive bands of light trend fromeast to west before bending north.Most northern cultures have legends about the aurora that connected these eerie lights with lifeafter death. The Iñupiat believed that the aurora could kill people, and they brandished knives atthe lights to keep them at bay. A story from Kodiak tells of a time when villagers were warned notto dance while the northern lights are out. The villagers didn't listen, and so they were all killed bythe northern lights.The ?ingit of southeast Alaska believed that the spirits of people who died during warfare traveledto a world in the sky. When these spirits came out to play, people on earth saw them as the aurora.These displays were a sign of impending war and bloodshed.In Alutiiq cosmology, the northern lights are also believed to be the spirits of dead warriors. These spirits live in the first of five sky worlds,closest to earth, with the spirits of the stars and the moon. And like the Yup’ik, Alutiiq people believed that whistling would bring the lights
This charming hotel is set in Reykjavik. Those who stay at this establishment will enjoy a peaceful and calm stay on the premises, as it counts with a total of 15accomodation units. Visitors may take advantage of the Wi-Fi connection on public areas at Aurora Guesthouse. The reception does not work around the clock. A fee may be chargeable for some services.
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