I WONDER - What Causes The Aurora Borealis Effect?

The Northern Lights are formed when charged particles from the sun, such as electrons and protons, interact with Earth's magnetic field. As these particles travel towards Earth, they collide with the magnetic field, exciting gas particles in the atmosphere. This excitation causes the gas particles to emit light, resulting in the beautiful colors of the Northern Lights.

What particles from the sun are involved in the formation of the Northern Lights?

• Atoms and molecules

• Electrons and protons

• Ions and isotopes

• Neutrons and photons

How do the charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth?

• They interact with the Earth's magnetic field

• They are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere

• They pass through the Earth without interaction

• They reflect off the Earth's surface

What happens when the charged particles collide with the Earth's magnetic field?

• They form new elements

• They cause the Earth's temperature to rise

• They create sound waves

• They excite gas particles in the atmosphere

What is the result of the excitation of gas particles in the Earth's atmosphere?

• The gas particles disappear

• The gas particles become solid

• The gas particles emit light

• The gas particles change color permanently

What creates the dazzling array of colors in the Northern Lights?

• The reflection of sunlight

• The absorption of starlight

• The emission of light by excited gas particles

• The scattering of moonlight