The Aurora Borealis (North) and Aurora Australis (South) are breathtaking light displays created by the sun's interaction with Earth's atmosphere.
The Process:
- ☀️ The sun sends out a stream of charged particles known as "solar wind."
- 🌍 When these particles hit Earth’s magnetic field, they are channeled toward the poles and collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen.
The Colors:
- 💚 Green is the most common color, produced by oxygen molecules about 60 miles up.
- ❤️ Rare red auroras are produced by oxygen at much higher altitudes, while nitrogen produces blue or purplish-red lights.