"Sounds of the Aurora" to launch 2005 lecture series

For Immediate Release

Have you ever heard the aurora? If so, you're not alone. Many claim to have heard noises while watching the aurora, but the phenomenon is still a mystery to scientists. In the first installment of the 2005 Science for Alaska Lecture Series, Dirk Lummerzheim, a professor of aeronomy at the Geophysical Institute, will discuss why these sounds continue to puzzle aurora experts. His lecture, "Sounds of the Aurora and Other Persistent Mysteries," will cover the types of sounds reported by people of the North. In addition to the sounds, Lummerzheim also will explain what creates each of the colors that appear in the aurora, including the beautiful, yet rare, red aurora.

The hour-long lecture is free and will begin at 7 p.m., January 18, in the Westmark Gold Room.

Show up 20 minutes early and listen to sounds of the aurora recorded from space in a family friendly demonstration!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Information on all lectures and presenters in the 2005 Science for Alaska Lecture Series is available at http://www.scienceforalaska.com.

CONTACT:
Dirk Lummerzheim, Geophysical Institute Professor of Aeronomy, UAF: (907) 474-7564
Amy Hartley, Geophysical Institute Information Officer: (907) 474-5823

***The 2005 Science for Alaska Lecture Series schedule to follow***

The 2005 Science for Alaska Lecture Series: Fairbanks Schedule 
All lectures are free and open to the public. Corresponding family-friendly demonstrations begin at 6:40 p.m., with lectures to follow at 7 p.m. All events take place in the Westmark Gold Room.

Tuesday, Jan. 18: "Sounds of the Aurora and Other Persistent Mysteries"
Presented by Professor Dirk Lummerzheim, Geophysical Institute, UAF

Tuesday, Jan. 25: "The Search for Water and Life on Mars"
Presented by Professor Buck Sharpton, Geophysical Institute, UAF

Tuesday, Feb. 1: "Alaska's Caves: Unlocking the Secrets to Our Past"
Presented by Assistant Professor Daniel Monteith, UAS

Tuesday, Feb. 8: "Alaska's Wildfires and How They Affect Our Health"
Presented by Associate Professor Cathy Cahill, Geophysical Institute, UAF

Tuesday, Feb. 15: "Kings of the Arctic: Polar Bears in Alaska"
Presented by Wildlife Biologist Scott Schliebe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service—Alaska

Tuesday, Feb. 22: "Diving with Alaska's Steller Sea Lions"
Presented by Assistant Professor Jennifer Burns, UAA

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Information on all lectures and presenters in the 2005 Science for Alaska Lecture Series is available at http://www.scienceforalaska.com.

CONTACT:
Dirk Lummerzheim, Geophysical Institute Professor of Aeronomy, UAF: (907) 474-7564
Amy Hartley, Geophysical Institute Information Officer: (907) 474-5823