What is it exactly that causes the aurora borealis phenomenon?

Answer 1

Quoted from Wiki:

"Auroras are now known to be caused by the collision of charged particles (e.g. electrons), found in the Sun's Solar wind, with atoms in the Earth's upper atmosphere (at altitudes above 80 km). These charged particles are typically energized to levels between 1 thousand and 15 thousand electronvolts and, as they collide with atoms of gases in the atmosphere, the atoms become energized. Shortly afterwards, the atoms emit their gained energy as light (see Fluorescence). Light emitted by the Aurora tends to be dominated by emissions from atomic oxygen, resulting in a greenish glow (at a wavelength of 557.7 nm) and - especially at lower energy levels and at higher altitudes - the dark-red glow (at 630.0 nm of wavelength). Both of these represent forbidden transitions of electrons of atomic oxygen that, in absence of newer collisions, persist for a long time and account for the slow brightening and fading (0.5-1 s) of auroral rays. Many other colors - especially those emitted by atomic and molecular nitrogen (blue and purple, respectively)[1] - can also be observed. These, however, vary much faster and reveal the true dynamic nature of auroras.

As well as visible light, auroras emit ultraviolet (UV) rays as well as X-rays (as observed by the Polar spacecraft). While the visible light emissions of auroras can easily be seen on Earth, the UV and X-ray emissions are best seen from space, as the Earth's atmosphere tends to absorb and attenuate these emissions."

Answer 2

Phenomena : Aurora Borealis
The Earth's magnetic field provides an obstacle in the flow of the solar wind, and it becomes compressed into a tear-drop shaped bubble known as the "magnetosphere." The magnetosphere protects the Earth by shielding it from the solar wind.

However, under certain conditions charged particles from the solar wind are able to get through Earth's magnetic shield and get energized. When this happens, they crash into the Earth's upper atmosphere and create the light which we see as an "aurora."

Answer 3

btw, the region where the auroras occur is called the Van Allen Belt. It is just one part of the Magnetosphere.

also, several other planets in our solar system have auroras.

btw, aurora borealis is on the north side and aurora australis is on the south side. but i don't know if those names apply on other planets, he he. have a nice day!

Answer 4

highly charged particals streaming off the sun gets channeled to the poles due to earths magnetic field. These high speed particles hit the upper atmosphere and glow.

Answer 5

I believe its the gas fumes of gold dust like in Alaska Rotunda.
By the way, I've seen it & think its THE most beautiful site on this side of the rainbow.

Answer 6

magnetic fields bend the light. causing the ripple look

Answer 7

glowing ions in the ionosphere....Simple as that