Auroras
⭐ MasteredAuroras are colourful lights in the sky near the poles, caused by particles from the Sun hitting gases in Earth's atmosphere. They are called the northern and southern lights.
Green is the most common aurora colour.
All about Auroras
Auroras are colourful lights in the sky that appear near Earth's poles. They are caused by charged particles from the Sun, carried by the solar wind, that collide with gases in the upper atmosphere. Earth's magnetic field guides these particles towards the poles.
Oxygen creates green and red light, while nitrogen can produce blue and purple. Auroras near the North Pole are called the northern lights, or aurora borealis, and those near the South Pole are the southern lights, or aurora australis.
🎮 Try it yourself!
Loading…
Real-life uses of Auroras
- Studying how the Sun affects Earth's atmosphere
- Inspiring tourists to visit polar regions
- Helping scientists understand space weather
Frequently asked questions about Auroras
Where is the best place to see auroras?
Near the Arctic or Antarctic circles, away from city lights, on clear dark nights.
What colour are auroras?
Most are green, but there can be red, blue, pink and purple lights too.
Can auroras happen in summer?
Yes. Auroras happen all year round, but it is usually easier to see them during long dark nights.