Auroras are cosmic light shows on Earth and other planets

Space
Auroras are cosmic light shows on Earth and other planets

Auroras are dazzling light shows created when solar particles collide with atmospheric gases, painting the polar skies in vibrant hues and revealing Earth's dynamic connection to the sun.

Auroras, stunning light displays in the night sky, happen when charged particles from the sun smash into Earth's upper atmosphere. Our planet's magnetic field guides these particles, mostly electrons and protons, towards the poles. There, they energize oxygen and nitrogen atoms, causing them to glow in vibrant colors like green, red, and blue.

There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.

Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 3-question quiz
Open in App

Get the full experience

Download Facts A Day