Auroras predominantly occur near the Earth's poles due to the interaction of charged particles, primarily electrons and protons, with the planet's magnetic field. These particles are trapped in the magnetic field and spiral down the field lines towards the north and south magnetic poles, where they collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the upper atmosphere, resulting in the characteristic auroral glow. The magnetic field is stronger at the poles, facilitating this process, while the equatorial regions experience a weaker magnetic field, making it more challenging for charged particles to escape the Van Allen belts and create auroras.
PREREQUISITESStudents of Earth sciences, physicists, atmospheric scientists, and anyone interested in the phenomena of auroras and their underlying causes.
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