Auroras

What gas makes auroras blue or purple?

• helium

• hydrogen

• oxygen

• nitrogen

When solar wind particles mix with oxygen or nitrogen, why are the auroras different colors?

• altitude changes

• temperature changes

• other gases present

• hotter solar wind particles

What is an aurora? (as it pertains to science)

• bands of light caused by charged solar particles

• rainbows in the sky

• Sleeping Beauty's real name

• mixture of hydrogen and oxygen

True or false? Aurora Australis are seen in the northern hemisphere.

• true

• false

Answer explanation

Aurora Australis are viewed in the southern hemisphere, while Aurora Borealis are viewed in the northern hemisphere. The image is from New Zealand.

What is the role of Earth's magnetic field in the formation of aurora borealis?

• It repels solar winds away from Earth.

• It has no significant role.

• It channels solar wind particles towards the poles.

• It warms the atmosphere to create auroras.

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What is the effect of Earth's magnetic field on the solar wind particles?

• It slows them down.

• It accelerates them.

• It directs them towards Earth's magnetic poles.

• It destroys them.

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What shields Earth from most of the solar wind?

• blue lights

• Mercury

• magnetic field

• the moon

Why are some solar wind particles able to get through the atmosphere?

• they are stronger than other solar wind particles

• the atmosphere is thinner at the poles

• there are many holes in the atmosphere

• the ozone layer is too thick

Answer explanation

This is why we see auroras mostly near the poles and rarely near the equator.

What are auroras?

• Types of asteroids in the space.

• Auroras are also known as eastern lights.

• An aurora is colorful rays of lights show in the sky caused by the Solar wind of the sun.

What layer of the atmosphere do auroras take place?

• Exosphere

• Thermosphere

• Troposphere

• Ozone Layer