Solar Wind Meets Earth's Atmosphere 🌞 The Northern Lights begin when charged particles (solar wind) from the sun travel toward Earth and interact with its magnetic field. These particles are funneled toward the poles.
Excitation of Atmospheric Gases 🌬️ When the solar particles collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere—mainly oxygen and nitrogen—they release energy. This energy causes the gases to "excite" and move to a higher energy state.
Emission of Light 💡 As the excited gases return to their normal state, they release this energy in the form of light. The type of gas involved and the altitude at which the interaction occurs determines the color of the light.
Green: The Most Common Color 💚 Green is the most common color of the auroras, caused by oxygen molecules at altitudes between 60 and 150 miles. The oxygen emits green light when excited by solar particles.
Red: Higher Altitude Oxygen ❤️ Red auroras are rarer and occur at higher altitudes (above 150 miles) where oxygen molecules emit red light when hit by solar particles.
Blue and Purple: Nitrogen's Role 💜 Nitrogen molecules contribute to the blue and purple colors in the auroras. These colors occur when solar particles collide with nitrogen in the lower atmosphere, especially during intense solar activity.
Yellow and Pink: Mixed Effects 🌸 In some cases, the combination of green with other colors, like red or blue, can create yellow or pink hues, giving the auroras their full, vibrant palette.