Northern lights
2006-11-12 05:14:17 · 2 answers · asked by dejesusrico 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The aurora borealis is an atmospheric phenomenon.
The sun's Solar wind contains a lot of electrons and other charged particules which then hit atoms in the upper atmosphere. The collision energises the atoms and causes electrons in the atoms to shift energy levels, and release energy as light.
The colours you see are due primarily to solar wind particles energising oxygen and nitrogen atoms.
2006-11-12 05:21:35 · answer #1 · answered by the last ninja 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The Last Ninja is correct. I would add only the the charged particles from the sun are deflected along the earth's magnetic field lines toward the poles. That is why the aurora is only seen in the far north and south of the planet and not everywhere.
2006-11-12 05:28:39 · answer #2 · answered by mechengineer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋