It's Good to Know: The Sound of the Aurora Borealis

The aurora borealis (also known as the northern lights) is a phenomenon that produces a spectacular light show in the Earth's northern polar regions. And the greenish glow, the result of microscopic particles colliding in the atmosphere, is sometimes accompanied by noise. Those who have heard it say it sounds like radio static or a crinkling cellophane wrapper.

The cause of the noise is not known, and it has never been recorded. According to Inuit folklore, it is the sound of dead spirits.

(Source: Damn Interesting)

Word to the Wise: Exigency

An "exigency" (EK-sih-jun-see) is an emergency - a pressing or urgent situation that requires prompt action. The word is from the Latin for "to demand."

Example (as used by Douglas Martin in The New York Times): "The bride was radiant in a gown that had been twice altered to meet the exigencies of her pregnancy."

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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2335, 04-21-08], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.