1:45 PM - 3:15 PM
[O11-P117] Production and improvement of aurora generator
Keywords:aurora, solar wind, plasma, thermosphere, dielectric breakdown, excited state
1. Introduction
In this study, we built a simplified aurora device using school equipment and accessible materials, aiming for broader applicability. We also modified internal conditions to improve the device. Based on the aurora mechanism, we hypothesized that six factors—gas type, pressure, voltage, discharge distance, electrode shape, and material—affect aurora reproduction. Each factor was varied to assess its influence.
2. Methods
(2-i) Discharge Experiments Using a Geissler Tube
Air, nitrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide were sealed in a Geissler tube via rubber tubing, and discharge behavior was compared. Magnetic poles were also brought near to observe changes in discharge paths.
(2-ii) Discharge Experiments Using the Aurora Generation Device I
Following prior studies, an aurora generation device was built. Air, nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and water were introduced into the device, and the resulting discharges were observed. Pressure and voltage were also varied to assess their effects.
(2-iii) Discharge Experiments Using the Aurora Generation Device II
With air as the gas, pressure, voltage, electrode shape/material, magnetic force, and discharge distance were varied. Conditions yielding better aurora-like results were selected via binary search.
Aurora reproduction was assessed using: Wide, ring-shaped luminescence Luminescence localized near the model Earth
3. Results
(3-i) Discharge Experiments Using a Geissler Tube
Discharge color, brightness, and shape varied by gas. Air and nitrogen emitted purple; helium ranged red to white with pressure; CO2 showed yellowish to greenish white. Helium was the brightest and thickest; CO2 was faintest and thinnest. Discharge paths changed significantly with nearby magnets.
(3-ii) Discharge Experiments Using the Aurora Generation Device I
Gas type, pressure, and voltage changes affected discharge appearance. Results mirrored the Geissler tube: air and nitrogen were similar; helium was brightest; CO2 was dimmest. Lower pressure widened discharges; higher voltage made them more linear.
(3-iii) Discharge Experiments Using the Aurora Generation Device II
Reducing pressure from 1.3×103 Pa to 10 Pa made discharges broader and more linear. Lowering voltage from 4.0×104 V to 4.0×1.3×103 V made emissions local to the model Earth. Replacing the bed-of-nails with an aluminum disk stopped discharge; using a larger one spread it. Adding a neodymium magnet centralized emission. Shortening discharge distance slightly changed color and spread.
4. Discussion
Emission appears to depend on both energies received and the number of particles receiving it. Thus, voltage, current, and electron configuration affect it. Gas type alters electron configuration and breakdown voltage; pressure, electrode properties, and distance affect resistance, which in turn affects current via Ohm’s law.
This suggests that gas type, pressure, voltage, distance, and electrode properties influence aurora reproduction. However, since distance showed little effect here, further testing is needed.
5. Conclusion and Future Outlook
We successfully built an aurora generation device using readily available tools. By adjusting gas type, pressure, voltage, magnetic force, distance, and electrode configuration, various discharges with differing brightness, color, and shape were achieved.
Future work includes testing untried conditions and combinations to find optimal settings. As auroras occur in the thermosphere, reproducing such conditions will enhance realism. We are also exploring methods to quantitatively analyze emission colors and aim to replicate auroras of other planets by adjusting internal conditions.
6. Acknowledgments
We thank Mr. Yoshio Egawa, Mr. Yasuhiro Taguchi, Mr. Kenshiro Yamada, and the faculty of Saitama Prefectural Tokorozawa Kita High School for their guidance.
This research was supported by the JST Super Science High School Program.
7. References
[1] Fujita, H., Otsu, Y., & Misawa, T. (2004). Development of Teaching Materials for Student-Interactive Aurora Experiments. Retrieved from http://www.ee.saga-u.ac.jp/plasma/img/aurora.pdf
[2] Makita, S., Hasegawa, C., & Yamade, K. (2012). Spectrum of a Handmade Aurora. Astronomy Education, 24, 78–82.
[3] Suzuki, H. (2015). Research on Aurora Generation. SEAJ Journal, 1(148), 28. Retrieved from https://www.seaj.or.jp/file/mito2014.pdf
[4] Ono, A., et al. Generation and Color Change of Artificial Auroras. Kogakuin University.
[5] Aurora Color Reproduction Study. Osaka Kyoiku University Tennouji Junior High School, Vol. 43 (2018)
In this study, we built a simplified aurora device using school equipment and accessible materials, aiming for broader applicability. We also modified internal conditions to improve the device. Based on the aurora mechanism, we hypothesized that six factors—gas type, pressure, voltage, discharge distance, electrode shape, and material—affect aurora reproduction. Each factor was varied to assess its influence.
2. Methods
(2-i) Discharge Experiments Using a Geissler Tube
Air, nitrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide were sealed in a Geissler tube via rubber tubing, and discharge behavior was compared. Magnetic poles were also brought near to observe changes in discharge paths.
(2-ii) Discharge Experiments Using the Aurora Generation Device I
Following prior studies, an aurora generation device was built. Air, nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and water were introduced into the device, and the resulting discharges were observed. Pressure and voltage were also varied to assess their effects.
(2-iii) Discharge Experiments Using the Aurora Generation Device II
With air as the gas, pressure, voltage, electrode shape/material, magnetic force, and discharge distance were varied. Conditions yielding better aurora-like results were selected via binary search.
Aurora reproduction was assessed using: Wide, ring-shaped luminescence Luminescence localized near the model Earth
3. Results
(3-i) Discharge Experiments Using a Geissler Tube
Discharge color, brightness, and shape varied by gas. Air and nitrogen emitted purple; helium ranged red to white with pressure; CO2 showed yellowish to greenish white. Helium was the brightest and thickest; CO2 was faintest and thinnest. Discharge paths changed significantly with nearby magnets.
(3-ii) Discharge Experiments Using the Aurora Generation Device I
Gas type, pressure, and voltage changes affected discharge appearance. Results mirrored the Geissler tube: air and nitrogen were similar; helium was brightest; CO2 was dimmest. Lower pressure widened discharges; higher voltage made them more linear.
(3-iii) Discharge Experiments Using the Aurora Generation Device II
Reducing pressure from 1.3×103 Pa to 10 Pa made discharges broader and more linear. Lowering voltage from 4.0×104 V to 4.0×1.3×103 V made emissions local to the model Earth. Replacing the bed-of-nails with an aluminum disk stopped discharge; using a larger one spread it. Adding a neodymium magnet centralized emission. Shortening discharge distance slightly changed color and spread.
4. Discussion
Emission appears to depend on both energies received and the number of particles receiving it. Thus, voltage, current, and electron configuration affect it. Gas type alters electron configuration and breakdown voltage; pressure, electrode properties, and distance affect resistance, which in turn affects current via Ohm’s law.
This suggests that gas type, pressure, voltage, distance, and electrode properties influence aurora reproduction. However, since distance showed little effect here, further testing is needed.
5. Conclusion and Future Outlook
We successfully built an aurora generation device using readily available tools. By adjusting gas type, pressure, voltage, magnetic force, distance, and electrode configuration, various discharges with differing brightness, color, and shape were achieved.
Future work includes testing untried conditions and combinations to find optimal settings. As auroras occur in the thermosphere, reproducing such conditions will enhance realism. We are also exploring methods to quantitatively analyze emission colors and aim to replicate auroras of other planets by adjusting internal conditions.
6. Acknowledgments
We thank Mr. Yoshio Egawa, Mr. Yasuhiro Taguchi, Mr. Kenshiro Yamada, and the faculty of Saitama Prefectural Tokorozawa Kita High School for their guidance.
This research was supported by the JST Super Science High School Program.
7. References
[1] Fujita, H., Otsu, Y., & Misawa, T. (2004). Development of Teaching Materials for Student-Interactive Aurora Experiments. Retrieved from http://www.ee.saga-u.ac.jp/plasma/img/aurora.pdf
[2] Makita, S., Hasegawa, C., & Yamade, K. (2012). Spectrum of a Handmade Aurora. Astronomy Education, 24, 78–82.
[3] Suzuki, H. (2015). Research on Aurora Generation. SEAJ Journal, 1(148), 28. Retrieved from https://www.seaj.or.jp/file/mito2014.pdf
[4] Ono, A., et al. Generation and Color Change of Artificial Auroras. Kogakuin University.
[5] Aurora Color Reproduction Study. Osaka Kyoiku University Tennouji Junior High School, Vol. 43 (2018)