What is Northern Light

What is Northern Light

Northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a captivating atmospheric phenomenon that occurs in the northern hemisphere. This natural light display is characterized by undulating waves of vibrant green, purple, and red lights dancing across the night sky. The mesmerizing spectacle is caused by the interaction between charged particles from the sun’s corona and Earth’s ionosphere.

The process begins with the solar wind, which carries energized particles from the sun towards Earth. These particles are deflected towards the poles by Earth’s magnetic field. Upon reaching the polar regions, an energy exchange takes place, resulting in the production of colorful lights in the sky. The specific colors of the northern lights are determined by the chemical composition of Earth’s atmosphere, with nitrogen molecules producing red hues and oxygen molecules producing green hues.

The occurrence and intensity of the northern lights are influenced by the sun’s activity, which follows an approximately 11-year cycle. During periods of peak activity, known as solar maximum, the northern lights are at their brightest and most frequent. Scientists and organizations like NASA continue to study this captivating phenomenon to unravel its mysteries and gain further insights into its workings.