Aurora: Northern and Southern Lights
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Questions and Answers

What is the main reason why auroras can only be seen at night?

  • Because the particles of the solar wind are only emitted during the night
  • Because the magnetic field is weaker during the day
  • Because the solar wind is only active during the night
  • Because the light of day is too strong to be seen (correct)

    • What is the primary role of the Earth's magnetic field in relation to auroras?

  • To channel the solar wind towards the equator
  • To attract the solar wind and create auroras
  • To heat the Earth's atmosphere and cause auroras
  • To deflect the solar wind and prevent auroras from forming (correct)

    • What is the typical altitude above which auroras can be seen?

  • 100 km (correct)
  • 50 km
  • 200 km
  • 500 km

    • What is the primary component of the solar wind that contributes to auroras?

    <p>Electrons</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the shape of the Earth's magnetic field around the planet?

    <p>Elongated sphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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.

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