One step at a time
Northern Lights
Auroras reveal real interactions between solar flows deflected by the magnetic field and the Earth's upper atmosphere. They are visible at these moments. The entry of particles into the upper atmosphere reacts with the gases that make up it. This is what is commonly called ionization. Electrons and protons excite the atoms of gases by electrically charging them. The gases will return to their stable state by releasing photons: light energy. This is when you can see the Northern Lights.
Photographs of active aurora borealis of multiple type with a striped structure and compact green color mainly.
Photographs of an aurora in the form of a diffuse homogeneous arc of lesser activity and green color.
The northern lights of green colors are the most commonly observed. But sometimes you see other colors. The color palette is very wide from green to purple from blue to red. The colors are characteristic of the altitude of the aurora, the composition and content of the gases of the atmosphere but also the energy of the solar wind plays a role on the colors observed.
