How do cell phones see the Northern Lights when we can't? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 18, 2026 · 20 MIN

How do cell phones see the Northern Lights when we can't?

from Ask The Naked Scientists SA · host Naked Scientists

Why does knocking your elbow unleash a distinctive "funny bone" jolt? Are we born with a sense of thirst? What are we seeing when we see things glow under ultraviolet? Why do our minds cling tightly to bad experiences? How do phones see the Northern Lights, even when we cannot? And do the planets in our solar system all move in the same direction? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jan 18, 2026

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How do cell phones see the Northern Lights when we can't?

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