Auroras

What causes the colorful, glowing lights of the aurora?

• Reflection of sunlight

• Energized molecules releasing extra energy

• Moonlight scattering

• Reflection of ocean waves

Which planets have been observed to have spectacular auroras?

• Earth and Mars

• Saturn and Jupiter

• Venus and Mercury

• Neptune and Uranus

What two conditions are necessary for a planet to have auroras?

• An atmosphere and a magnetic field

• A large size and high temperature

• Rings and moons

• A rocky surface and water

What acts as a shield against solar wind on Earth?

• Earth's atmosphere

• Earth's oceans

• Earth's magnetosphere

• Earth's crust

What color are the most frequently occurring auroras?

• Red

• Blue

• Green

• Purple

What is a significant impact of auroras on Earth?

• Increase in temperature

• Disruption of radio communications

• Change in weather patterns

• Increase in sea levels

Where can auroras sometimes be seen when the magnetic disturbance is strong?

• Equator

• Poles

• Mid-latitude locations

• Deserts

What does the Sun generate that affects Earth's atmosphere?

• Solar wind

• Lunar tides

• Ocean currents

• Earthquakes

What is an aurora?

• A colorful light show near the poles caused by solar wind interacting with our atmosphere

• A type of cloud formation

• A rare type of thunderstorm

• A reflection of sunlight on ice

What did Galileo call the beautiful light show seen near the North Pole?

• Aurora Australis

• Solar Flare

• Aurora Borealis

• Solar Wind