Simulating the aurora
Simulating the aurora
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模拟极光
DOI：
10.1002/vis.304
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发表时间：
2003
期刊：
影响因子：
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通讯作者：
R. Bastos
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
G. Baranoski;J. Rokne;P. Shirley;T. Trondsen;R. Bastos
我们提出了第一个计算机图形算法，旨在模拟极光，一个伟大的视觉美感和相当大的科学兴趣的自然现象。该算法是基于目前对这种自然显示的物理起源的理解。极光主要是由来自太阳的高能电子在以磁极为中心的狭窄区域进入地球大气层引起的。这些电子与被激发到更高能级的大气原子碰撞。当激发的原子返回较低能级时，它们会以窗帘状的体积发出快速变化的可见光，从而产生极光。通过模拟这些光发射沿着进入电子的空间和时间分布，我们能够呈现极光显示的主要视觉方面。通过比较合成图像与真实的极光显示的照片，说明了这种极光模型用于渲染和科学目的的适用性。版权所有# 2003年约翰威利父子有限公司。
We present the first computer graphics algorithm designed to simulate the aurora, a natural phenomenon of great visual beauty and considerable scientific interest. The algorithm is based on the current understanding of the physical origin of this natural display. The aurorae are mainly caused by high-energy electrons originating in the sun and entering the earth’s atmosphere in narrow regions centered on the magnetic poles. These electrons collide with atmospheric atoms, which are excited to higher energy levels. The excited atoms emit rapidly varying visible light in a curtain-like volume as they return to lower energy levels, thereby creating the aurora. By simulating these light emissions along with the spatial and temporal distribution of the entering electrons, we are able to render the major visual aspects of auroral displays. The applicability of this auroral model for rendering and scientific purposes is illustrated through comparisons of synthetic images with photographs of real auroral displays. Copyright # 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.