What is a “solar wind”? In ancient civilizations were auroras thought to be signs from their gods?
The solar wind is gas from the sun that is fast enough to escape to space. It is mostly protons and electrons carrying the solar magnetic field. It moves outward at 300 to 2000 km/sec. These particles enter the earth’s magnetic field when the sun’s magnetic field connects with it. Ancient civilizations looked to the stars for signs from their gods. The infrequent appearence of the aurora overwhelmed the people who were used to seeing small changes in the night sky. It must have been a big event and it would be remembered for a long time.
