This lecture covers the aurora that illuminates the night skies of cold regions, including how it glows, its appearance characteristics, sudden bursts, and the flow of energy within the aurora.

The lecturer worked on the Aurora Observation Satellite Project at the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, which promotes space observation using satellites, gaining experience at the forefront of aurora research. Subsequently, at JAXA, they advanced research on solar environmental variability for safe space development. Currently, at the Center for Planetary Plasma and Atmospheric Research at Tohoku University, they study the solar planetary environment using a group of telescopes.

While the focus is on Earth's surrounding space, aurora phenomena are also observed on Jupiter and Saturn. Thanks to the work of satellites and planetary probes, it has become clear that the Sun is the cause of these planetary auroras. Based on the latest findings from satellites and ground-based telescopes, we will explain the constant fluctuations on the Sun's surface, particularly sunspot variations, and their significant impact on the space surrounding these planets.

Finally, we confirm that the light of Earth's auroras is oxygen light created by life processes, concluding with the potential for the search for extraterrestrial life that lies ahead.

*This lecture series consists of: Session 1 (February 2017), Session 2 (November 2017), Session 3 (October 2018), Session 4 (June 2019), June 2020 session, September 2022 session, June 2023 session, and June 2024 session. Some assignments have been modified.