Northern lights

 

Aurora is a bright natural light on Earth’s atmosphere, formed in the earth’s magnetic field by disturbing solar wind. Aurora refers to polar lights which can be Northern or Southern. They’re of varying colors.

The solar wind ionize and excite electrons and protons along other particles in the atmosphere, these particles in turn emit light of various colors and complexes that form an Aurora.

Aurora as a name is derived from the Roman goddess of dawn - “aurora.” But Auroras are most clearly seen at night. 

Most auroras occur within aurora band which is between 10-20 degrees of longitude from both North and South poles and 3-6 degrees of latitude. Those in the northern latitudes are called “aurora borealis” or northern lights and is seen in Alaska, Norway, Canada etc. The southern lights are visible in Chile, South Africa, Australia etc

Auroras may be seen as rays, patches, arcs, mild glows or coronas which cover a wider area. In ancient history, before understanding the scientific basis of aurora, humans have incorporated aurora into myth and folklore.

Other planets in the solar system have auroras. Jupiter’s aurora is due mainly to one of its moons - volcanic moon “lo.” More so, Jupiter has a higher magnetic field compared to earth. 

Jupiter’s aurora.