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.
There's a chance solar storms may bring northern lights to several northern U.S states just in time for the new year.
Planetary Sciences
Dec 30, 2024
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Results from a 2021 experiment led by a University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist have begun to reveal the particle-level processes that create the type of auroras that dance rapidly across the sky.
Plasma Physics
Dec 20, 2024
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At night, charged particles from the sun caught by Earth's magnetosphere rain down into the atmosphere. The impacting particles rip electrons from atoms in the atmosphere, creating both beauty and chaos. These high-energy ...
Planetary Sciences
Dec 18, 2024
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As seen across North America at sometimes surprisingly low latitudes, brilliant auroral displays provide evidence of solar activity in the night sky. More is going on than the familiar visible light shows during these events, ...
Planetary Sciences
Dec 17, 2024
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There is no question that the sun is a temperamental star, as this year's unusually strong solar storms show. Some of them led to remarkable auroras even at low latitudes. But can our star become even more furious?
Astronomy
Dec 12, 2024
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Colorful auroras appeared around Japan's Honshu and Hokkaido islands on May 11, 2024, sparked by an intense magnetic storm. Usually, auroras observed at low latitudes appear red due to the emission of oxygen atoms. But on ...
Planetary Sciences
Dec 5, 2024
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This Thanksgiving, solar storms may produce faint auroras across the northern rim of the United States.
Space Exploration
Nov 27, 2024
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The Northern Lights were visible much farther south than usual this year, and pictures of the colorful hues filled social media. Now, imagine an aurora hundreds of times brighter—except no one would be able to snap a photo ...
Planetary Sciences
Nov 21, 2024
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Citizen scientists in Japan enabled researchers to learn why May 2024's aurora appeared a magenta color over the country. This effort in extending research beyond academies and laboratories has greater consequences for humanity ...
Planetary Sciences
Nov 18, 2024
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118
Since May this year, the aurora borealis (northern lights), has at times been visible further south than usual over Britain, sparking amazement and fascination. Social media has been alive with images of the skies glowing ...
Astronomy
Nov 14, 2024
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