Auroras - Northern and Southern Lights
By Rachelle Oblack, About.com Guide
Electrons Excite Particles in the Atmosphere
Auroras are formed from high energy electrons riding along earth's magnetic field lines.
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio
Electrons ride the wave of Earth's magnetic field lines and literally bump into particles (oxygen and nitrogen) high up in the atmosphere to create the beautiful colors of auroras. Watch this video clip that shows electrons riding along magnetic field lines to produce auroras. (1 min. 9 sec., MPEG-1, 10 MB)
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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