Directed by Pål Brekke (Norway, 2014). From myths and science to nature’s most spectacular tourist attraction, the Northern Lights have mesmerized and mystified humankind for millennia as they dance across the skies of the Northern Hemisphere.
Together with photographer Fredrik Broms, Norwegian solar physicist and director Pål Brekke created a film that combines animation, time-lapse cinematography, and spectacular NASA satellite solar imagery that takes the viewer on a breathtaking journey through space.
The documentary is also packed with historical anecdotes and includes tips on how to take stunning photos of the Aurora Borealis.
25 min.
Director Pål Brekke will introduce the film. A talk about his experience as a longtime observer of the Northern Lights and his work on the documentary follows the screening.
About the Director
Norwegian solar physicist Pål Brekke received a Doctor of Science degree in 1993 from the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo, with a focus on the ultraviolet (UV) emissions from the sun as observed with instruments on sounding rockets and the space shuttle Challenger. His work is focused on dynamical aspects of the sun and measuring variations in solar UV radiation.
Since 1993 he has participated in Norway’s preparation of the EUV spectrometers CDS and SUMER on Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) and was in charge of developing analysis software for CDS. After the launch of SOHO in December 1995, Brekke was part of the science operation team at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
In 1999 he joined the European Space Agency (ESA) as the SOHO Deputy Project Scientist stationed at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center. Brekke was also in charge of SOHO outreach and media activities, and contributed to its status as one of the most well-known current satellite projects. He is now a Senior Advisor at the Norwegian Space Centre and a Norwegian delegate to the ESA Program Board of Human Spaceflight, Microgravity and Exploration, and a delegate to the International Living with a Star (ILWS) Program.
Brekke received a Fulbright Fellowship in 1994, ESAs’ Exceptional Achievement Award in 2002, and Laurels for Team Achievements from the International Academy of Astronautics in 2003. He has served on several NASA Review Panels and as referee for various scientific journals.
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—Northern Lights— Photo by Frederik Broms.
SAT – 10-17-2015 – 11:00 AM
$7 ($5 ASF Members)