The Process of Aurora, a Light Phenomenon in the Polar Sky

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The process of aurora formation begins with interactions between charged particles. These particles, such as protons and electrons, come from Sun (solar wind) with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. So then it happened celestial phenomenon This.

These charged particles are restrained by a magnetic field Earth, so it is concentrated 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 we know as auroras.

Exploring the Types and Process of Aurora Occurrence

In the polar sky Earthnature presents a mesmerizing light show, radiating unforgettable beauty.

In the southern hemisphere, this phenomenon is known as the southern lights or aurora australis. Meanwhile at the north pole, this dance of light is the aurora polaris, borealis, or northern lights.

Both southern lights and northern lights have the same formation process, namely the interaction between charged particles Sun (solar wind) with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere.

These particles are bound by a magnetic field Earth and concentrated 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 only lies in the location where they appear. The southern lights can only be seen in the south polar region. Such as Antarctica, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

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Meanwhile, the northern lights decorate the northern pole sky. Covers Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Scotland and Siberia.

The process of aurora, both southern lights and northern lights, is a rare and fascinating natural phenomenon. Its extraordinary beauty makes it a tourist destination that many people dream of.

How Are Aurora Formed?

Initially, charged particles such as electrons and protons are released from Sun in the form of solar wind. Earth’s magnetic field acts as a shield, capturing some of these particles and directing them toward the poles.

Their journey doesn’t stop there. In the polar region, Alfvén waves accelerate these particles to reach fantastic speeds, namely 72.4 million kilometers per hour. A powerful collision with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the atmosphere occurred.

This collision was like an atomic dance full of energy. 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 a stunning colorful glow in the night sky.

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, while collisions with nitrogen atoms produce a greenish blue color. The combination of these two colors produces a very beautiful and varied aurora spectrum.

The height of the aurora can vary, generally occurring around 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.

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Activity Sun also affects the intensity and location of the aurora. When the Sun is in a period of low activity, auroras are concentrated in the polar regions. Conversely, during periods of high activity, auroras can extend to lower latitudes.

Colorful Aurora

This celestial phenomenon also presents stunning color variations. The combination of these colors tells an interesting story about the interactions 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. This collision results in the release of energy in the form of green-yellow light. This is the characteristic of the aurora that is easiest for us to recognize.

2. Red: Rare and Charming

The process of this red aurora occurring is rare. At higher altitudes, ions hitting oxygen atoms produce red light. This color only appears under certain conditions.

3. Blue and Purple: The Mystery of the Colors of the Polar Sky

Ions that interact with hydrogen and helium atoms can produce blue and purple light. However, the human eye can rarely detect 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.

Understanding the process by which auroras occur not only opens up insight into this amazing natural phenomenon. But it also helps us study the complex interactions between Sun and Earth. Aurora, is like a window that connects us to the mysteries of the vast universe and full of wonders. (R10/HR-Online)