It happens very rarely, but it has really happened (unlike last year when I thought it had, but was actually a completely different phenomenon). Aurorae have been spotted in the UK as far south as Kent!
Thanks to the Isaac Physics Teachers’ WhatsApp Group, which has 260 of the country’s physics teachers in it, I’ve seen beautiful pictures from all over the UK. Unfortunately, I saw nothing myself. I looked many times throughout Saturday night, but alas I was unable to see this phenomenon from the South of Essex. Perhaps there was too much light pollution, or I just didn’t time it right.
These beautiful images, amongst others, were shared by passionate physics teachers who regularly share resources, experience, knowledge and advice via the WhatsApp group. Unlike other groups that descend into little more than a repository for memes (or worse), the group is kept focused on physics and education, and communications are respectful and professional. That’s all thanks to the Isaac Physics ethos of support and collaboration that all the participants buy into.
I don’t know of other subjects that have such a fine resource as this to collaborate and support each other. If you’re a physics teacher and want to join in, contact the Isaac Physics Team to request the link (I cannot share it publicly for obvious reasons).
I’ve had so many good teaching ideas from the group, and I’ve tried to share some good stuff too. That’s what we teachers do; we work together silently in the background, always trying to improve, to try to help young people.
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Physics with Keith 