: As these solar particles slam into atmospheric gases, they "excite" the atoms. To return to their normal state, the atoms release this excess energy as photons . A Palette of Atmospheric Colors
The specific colors observed depend on the altitude and the type of gas involved:
: Rare and usually seen at much higher altitudes, also caused by oxygen . Blue and Purple : Triggered by nitrogen atoms.
: The Sun constantly emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind . Major eruptions, such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections, send billions of tons of plasma hurtling toward Earth.
: The most common color, produced by oxygen at lower altitudes (around 60–150 miles up).
The , or auroras, are a mesmerizing natural light display caused by the interaction between Earth's magnetic field and charged particles from the Sun . When these particles collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen in our upper atmosphere, they release energy in the form of vibrant photons, creating shimmering curtains of color. The Science Behind the Glow
The journey of the polar lights begins nearly on the Sun.
: As these solar particles slam into atmospheric gases, they "excite" the atoms. To return to their normal state, the atoms release this excess energy as photons . A Palette of Atmospheric Colors
The specific colors observed depend on the altitude and the type of gas involved: Polar Lights mp4
: Rare and usually seen at much higher altitudes, also caused by oxygen . Blue and Purple : Triggered by nitrogen atoms. : As these solar particles slam into atmospheric
: The Sun constantly emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind . Major eruptions, such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections, send billions of tons of plasma hurtling toward Earth. Blue and Purple : Triggered by nitrogen atoms
: The most common color, produced by oxygen at lower altitudes (around 60–150 miles up).
The , or auroras, are a mesmerizing natural light display caused by the interaction between Earth's magnetic field and charged particles from the Sun . When these particles collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen in our upper atmosphere, they release energy in the form of vibrant photons, creating shimmering curtains of color. The Science Behind the Glow
The journey of the polar lights begins nearly on the Sun.