: Earth's invisible magnetic shield usually deflects these particles. However, at the poles, the magnetic field lines funnel them down into the atmosphere.
: Often result from intense solar storms that excite nitrogen at lower levels. Northern vs. Southern Lights What are the Northern Lights? | Aurora Borealis Explained Polar Lights mp4
: 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. : Earth's invisible magnetic shield usually deflects these
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 Northern vs
The specific colors observed depend on the altitude and the type of gas involved:
: The most common color, produced by oxygen at lower altitudes (around 60–150 miles up).