How Do Auroras Actually Form in the Sky?

Auroras happen when charged particles from the Sun travel through space and hit Earth’s atmosphere. These tiny travelers are like little balls of energy, when they crash into the air, they light up the sky in beautiful colors, just like fireworks on a dark night. The lights usually appear near the poles because that's where the Earth’s magnetic field is strongest.

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Examples

Imagine a snow globe shaking and sending tiny glitter particles up to the top, that's like how auroras form in the sky.
Think of fireworks lighting up the night, that's what charged particles do when they hit Earth’s air.
It's like when you flick a light switch, suddenly, the room is filled with bright colors.

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Categories: Physics · aurora· physics· space weather