Travel Talks | Learn about the Aurora Borealis and Solar Activity

Are you dazzled by the mesmerizing beauty of the aurora borealis? Discover the science behind auroras and solar activity — and how can you give yourself the best chance to see them — with Laura Edson, project manager for the Aurorasaurus citizen science project.

Edson will illuminate the natural phenomena of auroras, also known as northern or southern lights, so that you can become a citizen scientist tracking light shows on your travels around the world!

Join us for this Travel Talk that will prepare you to gather valuable data to share with scientists who study auroras and solar activity.

About the speaker:

Laura Edson is the project manager for Aurorasaurus, a citizen science project that maps the northern and southern lights via reports from the public. Edson’s background is in museum education, and she has worked at museums spanning subjects like history, space and horticulture. Now, she directs her efforts toward helping the public experience and understand the beautiful northern lights. In her free time, she enjoys archery, sourdough baking and gaming.

Learn how you can take part in aurora participatory science with Aurorasaurus and which Oregon State University researchers are engaged with evaluating and strengthening the award-winning program.