Aurora is a geomagnetic and atmospheric optical phenomenon arising from the interaction of charged particles, primarily electrons and protons from the solar wind and magnetospheric plasma, with atoms and molecules in a planet’s upper atmosphere. Guided by magnetic field lines into high-latitude auroral ovals, these particles precipitate and undergo collisional excitation and ionization of atmospheric species such as oxygen and nitrogen. Subsequent radiative de-excitation produces characteristic emissions, notably green and red lines of atomic oxygen and molecular nitrogen bands, forming dynamic structures including arcs, curtains, and patches whose morphology and intensity are modulated by magnetospheric dynamics and space weather conditions.
Space weather forecasters issued an alert on Tuesday for incoming severe solar storms that could produce colorful northern lights and temporarily disrupt communications.
Space Exploration
Nov 12, 2025
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Solar storms may bring colorful auroras to several northern U.S. states Thursday night.
Space Exploration
Nov 6, 2025
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The Institute for Fusion Science installed the Hyperspectral Camera for Auroral Imaging (HySCAI) in Kiruna, Sweden, in May 2023 and commenced full-scale observations in September of the same year. A research group has now ...
Planetary Sciences
Nov 6, 2025
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Strong Northern Lights-like activity is the standout feature of today's weather report, which is coming at you from a strange, extrasolar world, instead of a standard TV studio. That is thanks to astronomers from Trinity ...
Astronomy
Sep 26, 2025
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Planetary scientists believe they can now predict the green glow of an aurora in the night sky above Mars, and they have the images to prove it.
Planetary Sciences
Sep 10, 2025
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Jupiter hosts the brightest and most spectacular auroras in the solar system. Near its poles, these shimmering lights offer a glimpse into how the planet interacts with the solar wind and moons swept by Jupiter's magnetic ...
Planetary Sciences
Sep 3, 2025
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Researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities have made a new discovery by observing and analyzing the first new type of plasma wave in Jupiter's aurora. This research helps us understand "alien aurora" on other ...
Planetary Sciences
Aug 24, 2025
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Ice crystals in Earth's atmosphere sometimes align just right to create various striking visual effects, from a halo around the moon, to bright spots called sundogs on either side of the sun in a winter sky, or a rainbowed ...
Planetary Sciences
Jul 30, 2025
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Just last month, a powerful solar storm lit up skies across the northern hemisphere, producing vivid auroras visible as far south as parts of the northern United States.
Planetary Sciences
Jul 2, 2025
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An unexpectedly strong solar storm rocked our planet on April 23, 2023, sparking auroras as far south as southern Texas in the U.S. and taking the world by surprise.
Planetary Sciences
Jul 1, 2025
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