Viking Magazine - Jan/Feb 2025 - 21

The geomagnetic
Artifacts from
fi eld line currents that
interact with auroral
electrojets are called
Birkeland currents.
Birkeland's face once
adorned the Norwegian
200-kroner banknote.
Today, the currency carries
the image of a codfi sh,
representing Norway's
coastal fi shing culture.
Birkeland also
invented the process
of harvesting nitrogen
from the air, a key aspect
of creating modern
fertilizer and addressing
food shortages.
Birkeland's original
experiments can be
seen at the Auroral
Observatory at the
University of Tromsø.
standing of space weather. Decades
aſt er his death, advancements in
space exploration and satellite
technology confi rmed many more
of his ideas, solidifying his place in
scientifi c history. Today, his alma
mater, University of Oslo, calls him
" the king of the northern lights. "
Science and Adventure in
Norway's Arctic
Birkeland's story encapsulates the
allure of Norway's Arctic regions-
where science and adventure go hand
in hand. Th e landscapes that inspired
his research remain some of the best
places on Earth to witness the aurora
today. Northern Norway, particularly
areas like Tromsø, Alta and Svalbard,
off ers modern travelers the chance
to see the same northern lights that
fascinated Birkeland more than a
century ago. Many guided tours
blend scientifi c insights with immersive
experiences, allowing visitors to
connect with the region's scientifi c
heritage and natural wonders.
On the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard,
Spitsbergen was once a research
base for Birkeland. Today, adventurers
can take part in polar night tours, dog
sledding and winter cruises under
@sonsofnorway
the glow of the auroras. In Tromsø,
the Northern Lights Observatory
carries on his legacy, off ering insight
into space weather and auroral
science for those curious about the
interplay between Earth and the sun.
Legacy of a Pioneer
Kristian Birkeland's infl uence
extends beyond the fi eld of auroral
science. In addition to his groundbreaking
research, he developed
early technologies that hinted at
the potential for industrial applications
of his scientifi c fi ndings. His
contributions helped Norway build
a reputation as a hub for scientifi c
exploration and discovery, inspiring
generations of researchers.
Although Birkeland did not live to
see his theory of the northern lights
fully accepted-he passed away in
1917-his work endures. It has inspired
countless scientists and explorers
to pursue research in extreme environments.
Today, his story serves as a
reminder of the perseverance required
to challenge scientifi c norms and the
rewards that come from following
curiosity into the unknown.
Birkeland's vision-linking the sun
and Earth through invisible streams
of energy-reminds us that the
beauty of the world oſt en lies at the
intersection of science and wonder.
For travelers interested in following
in Birkeland's footsteps, northern
Norway remains one of the best
places to observe the celestial phenomena
that captivated him. Whether
gazing at the auroras over the Lyngen
Alps or visiting the Polar Museum
in Tromsø, modern explorers can
embrace the same spirit of discovery
that defi ned Birkeland's life.
Jan/Feb 2025
21
PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) PUBLIC DOMAIN, VISIT NORWAY
Viking Magazine - Jan/Feb 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Viking Magazine - Jan/Feb 2025
