Auroras Are Like Neon Lights Neon lights work by exciting gases inside of a tube with electricity. The resulting colors that you see are a result of the different gases used to make neon lights. In an aurora, the neon colors you see are the different wavelengths of light from gases high in the atmosphere.
Auroras - Northern and Southern Lights
By Rachelle Oblack, About.com Guide
What Causes an Aurora?
The interaction of electrons from the sun with earth's magnetic shield cause the beautiful auroras we see in the sky.
NASA
Auroras are caused by the bombardment of solar electrons on oxygen and nitrogen atoms. The electrons literally excite the oxygen and nitrogen atoms high in the atmosphere to create the beautiful light show we know as an aurora.
Prev
- Are Auroras a Weather Phenomenon?
- Space Shuttle Endeavour and a Green Aurora
- Constellation Orion and an Aurora
- How Can I Watch an Aurora Tonight?
- What Causes an Aurora?
- Electrons Excite Particles in the Atmosphere
- A Video Clip of Solar Ejections and Auroras
- Where to See Auroras in the Northern Hemisphere
- Where to See Auroras in the Southern Hemisphere
- Why Should We Study Auroras?
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