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Questions and Answers
What is the main reason why auroras can only be seen at night?
What is the primary role of the Earth's magnetic field in relation to auroras?
What is the typical altitude above which auroras can be seen?
What is the primary component of the solar wind that contributes to auroras?
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What is the shape of the Earth's magnetic field around the planet?
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Study Notes
What is an Aurora?
- A natural light display in the sky, also known as polar light, northern light, or southern light
- Typically seen in high-latitude regions (Arctic and Antarctic)
Characteristics of Auroras
- Can be seen from long distances, stretching hundreds of miles in the sky
- Can occur at any time, but only visible at night due to their light not being as strong as daylight
- Faint stars can be seen through the aurora
Causes of Auroras
- Occurs when the Sun sends small particles into space, mainly electrons with charge and energy
- These particles interact with the Earth's magnetic field, contributing to electricity
Earth's Magnetic Field
- A protective shield of energy around the Earth, forming an elongated sphere called the magnetosphere
- Keeps off most of the solar wind, but at high-latitude areas, the magnetic field is vertical and allows particles to pass through
Interaction with the Atmosphere
- Particles from the solar wind interact with the atmosphere, heating and exciting it
- Excess energy is released, resulting in the moving lights seen in the sky above 100 km altitude
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Description
Test your knowledge about the natural light display in the sky, also known as aurora, polar light, or northern/southern light. Learn about the Earth's magnetosphere and the solar wind.
