The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, occurs when charged particles from the sun, carried by solar wind, collide with Earth’s atmosphere,
Earth’s magnetic field directs these solar particles toward the polar regions. This is why auroras are predominantly visible in high-latitude areas
When solar particles collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere, the energy from these collisions produces the glowing lights
The aurora’s colors depend on the type of gas and the altitude at which the collisions occur. Oxygen produces green and red lights
Aurora displays come in various forms, including shimmering curtains, arcs, and spirals. These shapes result from the movement of charged particles
Auroras generally form between 50 and 300 miles above the Earth’s surface. Higher altitude auroras tend to produce red lights
Solar storms and sunspot activity play a crucial role in creating auroras. More intense solar activity leads to brighter and more frequent displays
During geomagnetic storms caused by solar activity, the Northern Lights can become visible farther from the poles,