TED-Ed: How epic solar winds make brilliant polar lights - Michael Molina

The video explains the journey of polar lights, known as auroras, from the sun to Earth. It describes how high-energy particles from the sun form solar wind, which is diverted by Earth's magnetosphere. When overwhelmed by coronal mass ejections, particles reach Earth's atmosphere, creating auroras through interactions with oxygen and nitrogen atoms. The video also provides tips for viewing auroras, emphasizing the importance of clear nights and understanding solar activity.

What causes the northern and southern lights to occur?

• High-energy particles from the sun colliding with neutral atoms in Earth's atmosphere

• Reflections of sunlight on ice crystals in the atmosphere

• Volcanic eruptions releasing gases into the atmosphere

• Lightning strikes in polar regions

What is the role of the Earth's magnetosphere in relation to the solar wind?

• It amplifies the solar wind's speed

• It redirects the solar wind around the Earth

• It absorbs the solar wind completely

• It has no effect on the solar wind

What event can overwhelm the Earth's magnetosphere, allowing solar particles to reach the atmosphere?

• A meteor shower

• A lunar eclipse

• A coronal mass ejection

• A solar eclipse

Which atoms in the Earth's atmosphere are responsible for the green and red colors of the auroras?

• Hydrogen atoms

• Helium atoms

• Carbon atoms

• Oxygen atoms

When is the best time to observe the auroras?

• During the daytime

• On cloudy nights

• During a thunderstorm

• On clear nights close to the magnetic poles