Auroras

Definition

Auroras are natural light displays predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic. They occur when charged particles from the solar wind collide with atoms in Earth's atmosphere, causing them to emit light.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Auroras are caused by interactions between solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere.
2. The Sun's activity, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, can enhance auroral displays.
3. Auroras are most commonly observed near the magnetic poles in regions known as the auroral ovals.
4. In the Northern Hemisphere, auroras are called Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights; in the Southern Hemisphere, they are called Aurora Australis or Southern Lights.
5. Different gases in Earth's atmosphere cause different colors in auroras: oxygen produces green or red light, while nitrogen causes blue or purple hues.

Review Questions

• What causes the phenomenon of auroras?
• How does solar activity influence auroral displays?
• What is the difference between Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis?

Related terms

Solar Wind: A stream of charged particles released from the upper atmosphere of the Sun.

Magnetosphere: The area surrounding Earth that is influenced by Earth's magnetic field.

Coronal Mass Ejection (CME): A significant release of plasma and accompanying magnetic field from the solar corona.