Ancient texts are shedding light on auroras

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Ancient texts are shedding light on auroras

Documenting episodes of the phenomenon thousands of years ago may help us predict damaging solar storms in the future Rumors of a strange and terrifying event swept Japan in early September 1859. The "sky seemed to be burning," according to one diarist. From Aomori Prefecture on the northern edge of the country's main island to Wakayama, more than 600 miles south, the sky glowed red. Many assumed it was the light of distant fires, but no one cou…