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'Vapours like fire light' are Korean aurorae

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Stephenson, F. Richard and Willis, David M.. (2008) 'Vapours like fire light' are Korean aurorae. Astronomy & Geophysics, Vol.49 (No.3). pp. 34-38. ISSN 1366-8781

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Abstract

The chronicles of Korea are unique in
recording frequent observations of a
featureless red glow in various directions
in the night sky. Often there are 10 or
more of these sightings in a year. The
frequency is much higher than might
be expected for auroral observations
at such a low geomagnetic latitude
(around 30°N). In this paper, as a pilot
survey, we make a careful study of some
four years of observations (1625–1628).
These are recorded in two extensive
Korean chronicles. We conclude that
the observations are genuine and they
represent much more than merely
extended sunset or sunrise glows. Since
these observations are found to be more
frequent at the vernal equinox and also
at new Moon, we believe that they are
indeed auroral observations.

Item Type:

Journal Article

Subjects:

D History General and Old World > DS Asia
Q Science > QB Astronomy
Q Science > QC Physics

Divisions:

Faculty of Science > Physics

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):

Auroras -- Korea -- History -- 17th century, Astronomy -- Korea -- History -- 17th century

Journal or Publication Title:

Astronomy & Geophysics

Publisher:

Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

ISSN:

1366-8781

Official Date:

June 2008

Dates:

Date	Event
June 2008	Published

Volume:

Vol.49

Number:

No.3

Number of Pages:

Page Range:

pp. 34-38

Identification Number:

10.1111/j.1468-4004.2008.49334.x

Status:

Peer Reviewed

Publication Status:

Published

Access rights to Published version:

Restricted or Subscription Access

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