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Charged particles from the Sun collide with the Earth's polar magnetic field. In December, the Earth is tilted towards the Sun, so more particles can collide along the North Pole. The same happens in the Southern Hemisphere in the Summer. Also, Northern lights (and their Southern lights counterpart Aurora Australis can occur at any time, usually right after a good coronal mass ejection from the Sun. December in the Northern hemisphere is usually a good time for clear, long nights and personal introspection, we tend to look up more often therefore making that particular observation.
Back to the question: what we see as Northern lights is light being emitted from molecules in the upper atmosphere, mostly Nitrogen and Oxygen, with many others mixed in. The color we see depends on which gas or compound is doing the emitting. The cause of the light is high energy particles trapped in the Earth's magnetic field being pushed around by a large scale disturbance of that field, usually a CME. If you get the NASA channel on cable or satellite they sometimes show a really cool video about the bizarre chain of events that actually cause the lights. The whole answer is actually just as fascinating as the lights themselves (yep, I'm a real nerd). If you don't want to wait for the TV, a couple of links about the IMAGE and Polar satellites to get started are posted below.
What else can I help you with?
In what sphere do the northern lights occur?
The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, occur in the Earth's atmosphere, primarily in the polar regions. They are caused by collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun entering the Earth's atmosphere and gases such as oxygen and nitrogen.
Do the Northern lights occur in the troposphere?
No, the Northern Lights occur in the higher layers of the Earth's atmosphere, specifically in the thermosphere. The light displays are caused by solar particles interacting with gases in the atmosphere, leading to a stunning display of colors in the sky.
Difference in Northern Lights and Southern Lights?
They are the same. They simply occur in different hemispheres. The southern lights are less well known because there is less inhabited land around the south pole, where you would see the southern lights
What time can you see the northern lights tonight in South Dakota?
They do not occur in South Dakota.
Why are northern lights important?
Northern lights are important for scientific research and understanding Earth's magnetosphere. They also hold cultural significance for indigenous populations living in the regions where they occur. Additionally, northern lights attract tourists to these areas, boosting local economies.
In what sphere do the northern lights occur?
The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, occur in the Earth's atmosphere, primarily in the polar regions. They are caused by collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun entering the Earth's atmosphere and gases such as oxygen and nitrogen.
What layer does not contain the northern lights?
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, occur in the thermosphere and exosphere layers of Earth's atmosphere. They are typically observed between 60 and 400 kilometers above the Earth's surface. The stratosphere and troposphere layers do not contain the Northern Lights.
What is the term for the often colorful lights that occur in the atmosphere above the earths norhtern geomagnetic pole?
The term for the colorful lights that occur in the atmosphere above the earth's northern geomagnetic pole is called the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. These lights are a natural phenomenon caused by the interaction between the solar wind and Earth's magnetic field.
When is northern lights and meteor on the same day?
You can have a meteor on any day and the northern lights can occur on any day, so it is hard to predict when both will happen on the same day.You can have a meteor on any day and the northern lights can occur on any day, so it is hard to predict when both will happen on the same day.You can have a meteor on any day and the northern lights can occur on any day, so it is hard to predict when both will happen on the same day.You can have a meteor on any day and the northern lights can occur on any day, so it is hard to predict when both will happen on the same day.You can have a meteor on any day and the northern lights can occur on any day, so it is hard to predict when both will happen on the same day.You can have a meteor on any day and the northern lights can occur on any day, so it is hard to predict when both will happen on the same day.You can have a meteor on any day and the northern lights can occur on any day, so it is hard to predict when both will happen on the same day.You can have a meteor on any day and the northern lights can occur on any day, so it is hard to predict when both will happen on the same day.You can have a meteor on any day and the northern lights can occur on any day, so it is hard to predict when both will happen on the same day.You can have a meteor on any day and the northern lights can occur on any day, so it is hard to predict when both will happen on the same day.You can have a meteor on any day and the northern lights can occur on any day, so it is hard to predict when both will happen on the same day.
Solstice that that occur in December in the northern Hemisphere?
It is the Winter Solstice
What country do the northern lights occur in?
Antartica, alaska, parts of USA, canada
Do the Northern lights occur in the troposphere?
No, the Northern Lights occur in the higher layers of the Earth's atmosphere, specifically in the thermosphere. The light displays are caused by solar particles interacting with gases in the atmosphere, leading to a stunning display of colors in the sky.
Difference in Northern Lights and Southern Lights?
They are the same. They simply occur in different hemispheres. The southern lights are less well known because there is less inhabited land around the south pole, where you would see the southern lights
What time can you see the northern lights tonight in South Dakota?
They do not occur in South Dakota.
What is the term for the often colorful lights that occur in the atmosphere above the earth's Northern geomagnetic pole?
The term for the colorful lights that occur in the atmosphere above the earth's Northern geomagnetic pole is the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. This phenomenon is caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's magnetic field.
Why are northern lights important?
Northern lights are important for scientific research and understanding Earth's magnetosphere. They also hold cultural significance for indigenous populations living in the regions where they occur. Additionally, northern lights attract tourists to these areas, boosting local economies.
Does the arctic tundra get the northern or southern lights?
The Arctic tundra is located in the northern hemisphere, so it is the best place to see the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis. The Southern Lights, or aurora australis, can be seen in the southern hemisphere.
