【明報專訊】A group of aurora (極光) enthusiasts have found in the night sky a new type of light, which they have named "Steve". Scientists say it is a new astronomical phenomenon rather than aurora.
A photo of the purple streak of light was posted on a Facebook group. After studying it, Eric Donovan, an associate professor of the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Calgary, Canada, did not recognise it as a catalogued phenomenon. Although those in the group call it a "proton arc" (「質子弧」), Donovan disagrees, knowing that proton auroras are invisible.
The European Space Agency (ESA, 歐洲太空總署) has sent electric field instruments to measure it 300 km above the surface of the earth and found the new light appeared to be a hot stream of fast-flowing gas in the higher reaches of the atmosphere.
Roger Haagmans of the ESA said, "It is amazing how a beautiful natural phenomenon, seen by observant citizens, can trigger scientists' curiosity." (sources: Ming Pao, BBC)
■English highway﹕ capitalising one's title
We usually capitalise titles, like doctor and professor, when they refer to specific persons. Do not capitalise such a word when it refers only to an occupation.
e.g. Professor Stephen Hawking is the former Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge. (title)
She is an assistant professor of sociology at a college. (job position)
■Quiz
Answer the following questions.
(Answers on next text)
1. Is the following sentence true or false?
Eric Donovan uploaded the photo of the "purple light" to Facebook. (True/ False)
2. Who discovered the new type of light?
______________________________________________
3. Referring to Roger Haagmans's quote, point out which of the following is NOT true.
a. He admired observant citizens.
b. He recognised citizens' observation might contribute to science discoveries.
c. He blamed the people who had found the new type of light.
d. None of the above
4. Find in paragraph two a word that is opposite in meaning to "seeable".
______________________________________________
■Glossary
astronomical (adj) 天文學的
catalogue (v) 將……編入目錄
observant (adj) 善於觀察的
curiosity (n) 好奇心
[Smarties' Power English Vol 187]
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