The process of aurora formation begins with the interaction of charged particles. These particles, such as protons and electrons, come from sun (solar wind) with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. So it happened then a heavenly phenomenon This.
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These charged particles are repelled by a magnetic field Earth, so it is located in the polar regions. When these particles interact with atoms in the atmosphere, their energy is released in the form of light, producing the beautiful glow known as auroras.
Investigating the types and process of the Aurora event
In the polar air Earthnature provides an amazing light show, moving an indescribable beauty.
In the southern hemisphere, this phenomenon is called the southern lights or aurora australis. At the same time at the north pole, this light dance is the aurora polaris, borealis, or northern lights.
Both southern lights and northern lights have the same process of creation, which is the interaction of charged particles sun (solar wind) with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere.
These particles are bound by a magnetic field Earth and based in the polar regions. When it interacts with atmospheric atoms, its energy is released in the form of light. Thus, producing a beautiful glow that decorates the night sky.
The difference in name between these two phenomena is only in the place where they appear. The southern lights can only be seen in the south pole region. Such as Antarctica, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.
At the same time, the northern lights decorate the sky of the north pole. Covering Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Scotland and Siberia.
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The process of aurora, both southern lights and northern lights, is a rare and fascinating natural phenomenon. Its incredible beauty makes it a tourist destination that many people dream of.
How is Aurora formed?
First, confined particles such as electrons and protons are released sun in the form of solar wind. The Earth’s magnetic field acts as a shield, capturing some of these particles and directing them to the poles.
Their journey does not stop there. In the polar region, Alfvén waves accelerate these particles to reach incredible speeds, which is 72.4 million kilometers per hour. A powerful collision occurred with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the atmosphere.
This accident was like an energetic atomic dance. The electron is knocked out of the atom, leaving the ion in an excited state. These ions release energy in the form of light. Then, it produces an amazing colorful glow in the night sky.
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The type of atom that is hit determines the process by which the color of the aurora occurs. Collisions with oxygen atoms produce a red color, and collisions with nitrogen atoms produce a blue-green color. The combination of these two colors produces a very beautiful and varied aurora spectrum.
The height of the aurora can vary, usually appearing about 100 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. However, in conditions of high solar activity, aurora can appear at an altitude of 80 to 250 kilometers.
Activity sun also affects the intensity and position of the aurora. When the sun is in a period of low activity, auroras are located in the polar regions. Conversely, during periods of high activity, auroras may extend to lower latitudes.
A colorful aurora
This celestial phenomenon also exhibits remarkable color changes. The combination of these colors tells an interesting story about the interaction of atoms in the atmosphere and the activity of the sun.
1. Green-Yellow: The most common Aurora Color
This color is created when energetic ions collide with oxygen atoms at lower altitudes. As a result of this collision energy is released in the form of green-yellow light. This is the feature of the aurora that is easiest for us to recognize.
2. Red: Rare and Charming
This red aurora process is rare. At higher altitudes, ions collide with oxygen atoms producing red light. This color only appears under certain conditions.
3. Blue and Purple: The Color Mystery of the Polar Sky
Ions that interact with hydrogen and helium atoms can produce blue and purple light. However, the human eye rarely detects these colors directly.
The blue and purple colors of the aurora are like an unsolved mystery. Thus, adding a magical aura to this amazing natural phenomenon.
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Understanding the process by which auroras occur not only opens up a perspective on this amazing natural phenomenon. But it also helps us explore the complex interactions between sun and the Earth. Aurora, like a window that connects us to the secrets of the universe is big and full of wonders. (R10/HR-Online)
2024-05-07 00:57:52
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