Jared Rivera | MIT Abstracts

What do the Northern Lights, ultracold atoms, and your smartphone have in common? Find out in this MIT Abstract, featuring Jared Rivera, a fifth-year PhD student from MIT’s physics department. Jared explains how studying atmospheric phenomena like the Northern Lights (or the aurora borealis) ties to cutting-edge research–and shares the surprising technological applications that stem from these studies.

What You'll Learn in This Video:

🌌 The Colors of the Aurora: Discover why the auroras display vibrant greens, reds, and purples, and how they originate from Earth's upper atmosphere.

⚛️ Plasma Physics: Explore the role of the sun’s solar wind in creating geophysical plasma and its impact on Earth's magnetic field.

🔬 Research Expedition: Get a behind-the-scenes look at Jared’s work with the Geophysical Plasma Observational Expedition (GPOE), a mission to study the auroras in Alaska using cutting-edge instruments like all-sky cameras and spectrometers. (And find out how Nord Anglia students at the British International School of Boston contributed to this project!)

💡 Technological Connections: Learn how understanding auroras contributes to advancements in fields like quantum mechanics, medicine, and even quantum computing.

🌟 Future Exploration: Hear about the exciting plans for the 2025 expedition, including expanded research goals and more collaboration with Nord Anglia students.

Jared’s journey into physics started with a love for the outdoors and an inspiring read of A Brief History of Time. Now, he’s working at MIT’s Center for Ultracold Atoms, studying phenomena at temperatures close to absolute zero and unraveling the mysteries of nature and technology alike.

Highlights from the Talk:



A beginner-friendly breakdown of aurora science.
Stunning imagery of the auroras captured during the Alaska expedition.
The connection between atmospheric science and cutting-edge technologies like lasers, atomic trapping, and quantum mechanics.


Whether you’re a science enthusiast, student, or just curious about the auroras, this talk blends stunning visuals, in-depth research, and relatable storytelling. Plus, it’s packed with actionable insights for aspiring scientists and explorers!

Want to See the Aurora?

2024 and 2025 are peak years for aurora activity due to heightened solar cycles. If you’re in higher latitudes, make sure to step outside on clear nights and witness this breathtaking natural phenomenon.



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What do you want to learn next? The MIT Abstract series connects you with cutting edge research from MIT students and recent graduates. Drop questions in the comments, and don’t forget to like and share this video with your fellow science enthusiasts.

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