Why do Aurora colors in a bottle resemble Aurora Australis?

In summary, the conversation discusses the differences in colors seen in auroras and how they are produced by the ionization of oxygen and nitrogen atoms. The individual mentions seeing primarily green auroras in the Northern Hemisphere and purple in the Southern Hemisphere, and questions why this experiment is referred to as the northern lights. The response explains that there is no real difference in the auroras seen in each pole, but that the apparent color differences may be due to the human eye's ability to see color, camera and screen settings, and the intensity of the aurora.
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  • #2
Solomei said:
I would say that this looks more like Aurora Australis.

what makes you say that ? it clearly stated who took the photo and where it was taken

Solomei said:
What is the reason for these changing colors?

the changing colours ... in the real aurora foto or in that experiment ?

In a real aurora, it is mainly the oxygen and nitrogen atoms getting ionised and creating their specific colours, mostly red and green
those colours then mix to produce other colours that are seen ... purples, yellow, sometimes bluesDave
 
  • #3
davenn said:
what makes you say that ? it clearly stated who took the photo and where it was taken
the changing colours ... in the real aurora foto or in that experiment ?

In a real aurora, it is mainly the oxygen and nitrogen atoms getting ionised and creating their specific colours, mostly red and green
those colours then mix to produce other colours that are seen ... purples, yellow, sometimes bluesDave
Im trying to figure this out. I know that aurora appears in different colours as you mentioned. I've seen aurora borealis many times, and it has always been green. I've also seen pictures of aurora australis which has manly been purple. Why do they then refer to this experiment as the northern lights, when it is more typically the colours for the aurora australis? What exactly makes the difference for these lights beside that they appear on the northern and southern hemisphere? Is it a big (constant) difference in gas concentrations above each of the poles that effects the spectrum?
 
  • #4
Solomei said:
Ive also seen pictures of aurora australis which has manly been purple.

that wouldn't be the norm, rather relatively rare. Only in the really intense displays would purples start to show ...
Aurora Australis is also primarily green and as the activity intensifies, the reds show, then the yellows and so on

here's are typical AA from my personal collection, This is from Dunedin, New Zealand

9811_au2.jpg


9811_au5.jpg


I do have some with colour trending towards purple, but these 2 pic's make my point :smile:

Solomei said:
What exactly makes the difference for these lights beside that they appear on the northern and southern hemisphere? Is it a big (constant) difference in gas concentrations above each of the poles that effects the spectrum?

there is no real difference between the aurora seen at each pole

Dave
 
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  • #5
Davenn is right.
Since the nitrogen and oxygen composition of the atmosphere is the same in both the northern and southern hemispheres, and the charged particles are exactly the same, one would expect the light to be identical.

To human eyes, the colour will always be a false colour since the three different broad-band colour sensors in our eyes are being stimulated by narrow band emissions.

The apparent colour differences will be due to the variable ability of the eye to see colour at low light levels, by the type of colour discrimination used in the camera that records the image, or by the screen used to regenerate the image, before it is first viewed by human eyes.
 
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What are "Aurora colors in a bottle"?

"Aurora colors in a bottle" are a type of liquid that contains special properties that produce vibrant, shimmering colors when exposed to light. This phenomenon mimics the appearance of the aurora borealis (also known as the northern lights) which can be seen in the night sky in certain parts of the world.

How do "Aurora colors in a bottle" work?

"Aurora colors in a bottle" contain tiny particles that are able to reflect and scatter light in different directions, creating the illusion of color. When light is shone on the liquid, these particles interact with the light, producing a variety of vibrant colors.

Can "Aurora colors in a bottle" be created at home?

Yes, "Aurora colors in a bottle" can be easily created at home using simple household materials. All you need is a clear bottle, water, oil, food coloring, and glitter. There are many online tutorials available that provide step-by-step instructions on how to create your own "Aurora colors in a bottle" experiment.

What causes the different colors in "Aurora colors in a bottle"?

The different colors in "Aurora colors in a bottle" are caused by the refraction and reflection of light through the particles in the liquid. The size and shape of these particles determine which colors are produced, resulting in a unique and colorful display.

Are "Aurora colors in a bottle" safe to handle?

Yes, "Aurora colors in a bottle" are generally safe to handle as they are made with non-toxic materials. However, it is always important to read and follow the instructions carefully when creating your own experiment at home. It is also recommended to wear gloves and avoid ingesting the liquid.

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