Auroras, also known as the Northern and Southern Lights, are one of the most spectacular natural phenomena that occur in our planet’s atmosphere. These mesmerizing light displays have been observed and studied for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that we began to understand the science behind their production. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of auroras, their origins, and the physics that produce them.
What are Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis?
Auroras are a natural light display that occurs in the polar regions of the Earth. Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, occurs in the northern hemisphere, while Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, occurs in the southern hemisphere. The lights are created by charged particles from the sun that collide with gas molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere.
The solar wind, a stream of charged particles that flows from the sun, constantly bombards the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles enter the atmosphere, they collide with gas molecules, such as oxygen and nitrogen, and excite them. As these molecules return to their normal state, they release the excess energy in the form of light, creating the spectacular auroras.
The Colors of Auroras
The colors of auroras depend on the type of gas molecules that are being excited by the charged particles. Oxygen molecules produce green and red light, while nitrogen molecules produce blue and purple light. The most common color of auroras is green, which is produced by excited oxygen molecules at an altitude of about 60 miles (100 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface. Red auroras occur at a higher altitude, while blue and purple auroras occur at lower altitudes.
When and Where to See Auroras
The best time to see auroras is during the winter months in the polar regions. The auroras can be seen from areas near the Earth’s magnetic poles, such as northern Canada, Alaska, and Scandinavia for Aurora Borealis, and southern New Zealand, Tasmania, and Antarctica for Aurora Australis. The auroras are most active during periods of high solar activity, which occur approximately every 11 years.
The Physics of Aurora Production
The production of auroras is a result of the interaction between the Earth’s magnetic field and the charged particles from the sun. The Earth’s magnetic field, also known as the magnetosphere, extends from the Earth’s core into space and protects us from the harmful solar wind. When the charged particles from the sun enter the Earth’s magnetic field, they are guided towards the magnetic poles, where they collide with gas molecules in the atmosphere and produce the auroras.
The interaction between the charged particles and the Earth’s magnetic field also produces other effects, such as the creation of the Van Allen radiation belts, which are regions of high-energy particles that are trapped in the magnetosphere.
Conclusion
Auroras are a stunning example of the beauty and complexity of our planet’s natural phenomena. Although we have come a long way in our understanding of the science behind auroras, there is still much to be learned about this spectacular phenomenon. Whether you are lucky enough to see an aurora in person or simply marvel at them through photographs and videos, the auroras will continue to captivate and inspire us for generations to come.