What Causes the Colors of Polar Auroras?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The colors of polar auroras are caused by the interaction of high-energy particles, primarily atomic nuclei or ions, from the solar wind with the Earth's atmosphere. These particles travel along the Earth's magnetic field lines, which are concentrated near the poles. When these solar wind nuclei collide with nitrogen and oxygen molecules, ionization occurs, leading to the recombination of ions and electrons, which produces the vibrant colors of the aurora. Key resources include Wikipedia articles on auroras and geomagnetic storms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of solar wind dynamics
  • Knowledge of atomic interactions in atmospheric physics
  • Familiarity with Earth's magnetic field properties
  • Basic concepts of ionization and recombination processes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research solar wind particle composition and behavior
  • Study the role of Earth's magnetic field in auroral formation
  • Explore the effects of geomagnetic storms on auroras
  • Investigate the specific wavelengths of light emitted by nitrogen and oxygen during auroras
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, atmospheric scientists, educators, and anyone interested in the physical processes behind polar auroras.

ajith amboori
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
hello
anyone have some notes on polar aurora?








thank you
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
Basically an aurora is formed by the interaction of high energy particles and primarily atomic nuclei (or ions) interacting with the Earth's atmosphere near both poles. The nuclei originate in the sun and travel outward as the solar wind.

The nuclei/ions travel along the Earth's magnetic field lines which are more concentrated toward the poles. The solar wind nuclei/ions collide with nitrogen and oxygyen diatomic molecules and atoms, which are themselves ionized. The recombination of ions and electrons produces the colored light seen in the aurora.

Nice article on Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora_(astronomy)

and my thread - http://www.everything-science.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=82&topic=5291.0

See also - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geomagnetic_storm
 

Similar threads

Why do Aurora colors in a bottle resemble Aurora Australis?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Graduate A mathematical description of the physics behind Aurora?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Interested in the whole earth magnetic polarity swap thing
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Reversal of Earth's magnetic field
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
13K
Could an external cosmic body have influenced Earth’s geology?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
1K
Undergrad Aurora on Uranus? Why Are They In Large Dots?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Engineering Stiffness of a Concrete Core in a Multi-Storey Building
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Graduate Reliable Data on Polar Aurora for CERN Experiment
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
What Causes the Different Colors of the Aurora?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Undergrad Calculating what latitude aurora is visible using KP Index
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K