The Mystery of Aurora Borealis: What Causes It?

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    Aurora Mystery
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SUMMARY

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is caused by charged particles emitted by the Sun, referred to as the Solar Wind. These particles are deflected by the Earth's magnetic field, but at the poles, the magnetic field curves downward, allowing the particles to interact directly with the Earth's surface. When these charged particles reach the ionosphere, they interact with the atmospheric charges, resulting in the emission of visible light and radio static. This phenomenon is a direct consequence of solar activity and Earth's magnetic properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Solar Wind and its properties
  • Knowledge of Earth's magnetic field and its structure
  • Familiarity with the ionosphere and its role in atmospheric physics
  • Basic principles of electromagnetic interactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of solar activity on Earth's atmosphere
  • Explore the physics of electromagnetic fields and their interactions
  • Learn about the different types of auroras and their characteristics
  • Investigate the technology used to study auroras, such as satellite observations
USEFUL FOR

Students of atmospheric science, physicists, educators, and anyone interested in the natural phenomena associated with solar activity and Earth's magnetic field.

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What causes the Aurora Borealis?
 
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It's explained pretty well Here . Basically, the Sun emits particles (called the Solar Wind) which the Earth's magnetic field deflects away from the surface. But at the poles, that magnetic field "curves downward" and comes into direct contact with the surface. Charged particles from the Sun can ride down these nearly vertical lines of magnetic force. As these particles reach the ionosphere, the charges in that layer of the atmosphere interct with the charge in the Solar wind, giving off visible light, radio static, etc.
 
Originally posted by LURCH
It's explained pretty well Here . Basically, the Sun emits particles (called the Solar Wind) which the Earth's magnetic field deflects away from the surface. But at the poles, that magnetic field "curves downward" and comes into direct contact with the surface. Charged particles from the Sun can ride down these nearly vertical lines of magnetic force. As these particles reach the ionosphere, the charges in that layer of the atmosphere interct with the charge in the Solar wind, giving off visible light, radio static, etc.

Has anyone else got some cool info on this topic!
 

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