Aurora borealis, also commonly known as the Northern Lights, is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the polar regions. Here's all you need to know about it:
Appearance
- The lights appear in the sky as ribbons, swirls or patches of green, yellow, pink, purple and red colors.
- They can be seen over an extensive area of the sky, and their intensity can vary from faint to extremely bright.
- The lights can even take on different shapes like a curtain or arch.
Cause
- The Northern Lights are caused by electrically charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.
- The Earth's magnetosphere, a protective magnetic field, usually prevents these particles from penetrating the atmosphere. However, when the particles enter the Earth’s atmosphere, they interact with oxygen and nitrogen molecules, causing them to emit light.
- The colors seen depend on the type of gas molecule that is being excited and the altitude at which the excitement occurs.
Location and Season
- The Aurora Borealis is visible mainly in the high latitude regions of the Earth – that is near the magnetic poles.
- It is best viewed in the winter months due to the longer nights and the clearer skies.
Experience
- Aurora sightings can be unpredictable and depend on many factors such as geomagnetic activity, solar wind, and cloud cover.
- Viewing the Northern Lights can be an incredible and unforgettable experience, and dedicated tours are often arranged in some areas to witness the stunning display.
Overall, the Aurora borealis is a fascinating natural occurrence that gives us a glimpse of the magical and mystical aspects of nature.
