It's the interaction between the Earth's magnetic field and charged particles emitted from the Sun (the solar 'wind').
The aurora is a glow observed in the night sky, usually in the polar zone. For this reason some scientists call it a "polar aurora" (or "aurora polaris"). In northern latitudes, it is known as "aurora borealis" which is Latin for "northern dawn" since in Europe especially, it often appears as a reddish glow on the northern horizon as if the sun were rising from an unusual direction. The aurora borealis is also called the "northern lights". The aurora borealis most often occurs from September to October and March to April. Its southern counterpart, "aurora australis", has similar properties. The cause of the aurora is charged particles from the solar wind, accelerated by the Earth's magnetic field, colliding with atoms in the upper atmosphere causing them to glow as they release their surplus energy.
Yes, when they collide with atoms of oxygen and nitrogen in the ionisphere.
Spectacular aurora, or northern lights, seen by Colin Chatfield in Saskatchewan, Canada. Bottom line: When charged particles from the sun strike atoms in Earth's atmosphere, they cause electrons in the atoms to move to a higher-energy state.
When charged particles from the sun strike atoms in Earth's atmosphere, they cause electrons in the atoms to move to a higher-energy state. When the electrons drop back to a lower energy state, they release a photon: light. This process creates the beautiful aurora, or northern lights.
Yes, charged particles from the sun collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the earth's ionosphere to cause the Northern and Southern Lights.
The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights).
The aurora is a glow observed in the night sky, usually in the polar zone. For this reason some scientists call it a "polar aurora" (or "aurora polaris"). In northern latitudes, it is known as "aurora borealis" which is Latin for "northern dawn" since in Europe especially, it often appears as a reddish glow on the northern horizon as if the sun were rising from an unusual direction. The aurora borealis is also called the "northern lights". The aurora borealis most often occurs from September to October and March to April. Its southern counterpart, "aurora australis", has similar properties. The cause of the aurora is charged particles from the solar wind, accelerated by the Earth's magnetic field, colliding with atoms in the upper atmosphere causing them to glow as they release their surplus energy.
The aurora is a glow observed in the night sky, usually in the polar zone. For this reason some scientists call it a "polar aurora" (or "aurora polaris"). In northern latitudes, it is known as "aurora borealis" which is Latin for "northern dawn" since in Europe especially, it often appears as a reddish glow on the northern horizon as if the sun were rising from an unusual direction. The aurora borealis is also called the "northern lights". The aurora borealis most often occurs from September to October and March to April. Its southern counterpart, "aurora australis", has similar properties. The cause of the aurora is charged particles from the solar wind, accelerated by the Earth's magnetic field, colliding with atoms in the upper atmosphere causing them to glow as they release their surplus energy.
Spectacular aurora, or northern lights, seen by Colin Chatfield in Saskatchewan, Canada. Bottom line: When charged particles from the sun strike atoms in Earth's atmosphere, they cause electrons in the atoms to move to a higher-energy state.
sunlight in the sun
The northern lights are light you can see in the sky. They are created be solar storms. The storms hit the atmosphere and are forced to the poles. The storms mix with oxygen and tern into colours and that is what you see.
The aurora is a glow observed in the night sky, usually in the polar zone. For this reason some scientists call it a "polar aurora" (or "aurora polaris"). In northern latitudes, it is known as "aurora borealis" which is Latin for "northern dawn" since in Europe especially, it often appears as a reddish glow on the northern horizon as if the sun were rising from an unusual direction. The aurora borealis is also called the "northern lights". The aurora borealis most often occurs from September to October and March to April. Its southern counterpart, "aurora australis", has similar properties. The cause of the aurora is charged particles from the solar wind, accelerated by the Earth's magnetic field, colliding with atoms in the upper atmosphere causing them to glow as they release their surplus energy.
Thermosphere, to be specific Ionosphere.
Yes, when they collide with atoms of oxygen and nitrogen in the ionisphere.
Spectacular aurora, or northern lights, seen by Colin Chatfield in Saskatchewan, Canada. Bottom line: When charged particles from the sun strike atoms in Earth's atmosphere, they cause electrons in the atoms to move to a higher-energy state.
Coronal Mass Ejections usually cause magnetic storms, usually near the Earth's northern and southern poles. If you've ever heard of the Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights), this is what I'm referring to. Some more severe effects on the earth (in the case that the CME is aimed somewhat directly at earth), are disruptions and failures in our telecommunication networks and power grids. (Satellites are a big concern) This includes the internet, cellphones, television, radar, and satellite reconnaissance. All of this can be harmed or even destroyed by such an event.
Aurora are a polar phenomenon, and Antarctica is where you'll find the South Pole. From Google Results: "When charged particles from the sun strike atoms in Earth's atmosphere, they cause electrons in the atoms to move to a higher-energy state. When the electrons drop back to a lower energy state, they release a photon: light. This process creates the beautiful aurora, or northern lights"