Northern Lights and Solar Flares

Auroras are natural light displays near the poles, known as Aurora borealis in the north and Aurora australis in the south. They are caused by solar flares and solar wind from the sun, which release charged particles that interact with Earth's magnetic field. These particles collide with atmospheric atoms, emitting light in various colors. The colors depend on the elements present, such as oxygen and nitrogen. Auroras are rare and occur when enough charged particles reach the poles.

What are auroras commonly known as in the Northern Hemisphere?

• Southern Lights

• Northern Lights

• Equatorial Lights

• Polar Lights

What is the primary cause of auroras according to modern science?

• Blood raining from clouds

• Solar activity

• Lunar phases

• Dancing spirits

What is the term used for the charged particles expelled by the sun?

• Solar rays

• Solar storms

• Solar wind

• Solar flares

How do charged particles create light in the atmosphere?

• By absorbing heat

• By reflecting sunlight

• By freezing in the atmosphere

• By colliding with atmospheric atoms

Which element in the atmosphere is responsible for red and green auroral lights?

• Carbon

• Helium

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen