Northern Lights

The best place(s) to see the Northern Lights include:

• Alaska

• Spain

• Boston

• Scandinavia

• Canada

Why can the Northern Lights be different colors?

• It depends on the gas from the sun

• It depends on which gases in the atmosphere are reacting and the energy level of the photons

• It depends on the time of day

When is the best time to view auroras?

• On clear nights

• On cloudy nights

• Anytime

• During clear days

What happens when gas from the sun interacts with Earth's atmosphere?

• It is toxic and can harm the atmosphere

• It interacts with gases in the atmosphere and causes chemical reactions

• Nothing happens

What is the primary cause of the Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights?

• Lunar reflection

• Solar wind interacting with Earth's magnetic field

• Volcanic activity in the polar regions

• Reflection of ocean waves

Where in Earth's atmosphere do auroras dance and shimmer?

• Exosphere

• Stratosphere

• Troposphere

• Thermosphere

What causes auroras ?

• Asteroid collisions with Earth's atmosphere

• Solar wind particles interacting with the Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere

• Volcanic eruptions

• Global warming effects

Answer explanation

Auroras are caused by solar wind particles colliding with the Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere, creating beautiful light displays. This interaction is the primary reason for the occurrence of auroras.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

What particles from the sun primarily interact with Earth's atmosphere to produce the Northern Lights?

• Protons

• Neutrons

• Electrons

• Alpha particles

What is the name of the phenomena that occurs when electrically charged particles collide with atoms in the atmosphere and emit light?

• Magnetic Field

• Aurora

• Solar wind

• Harmful Radiation

Answer explanation

The phenomena that occurs when electrically charged particles collide with atoms in the atmosphere and emit light is called Aurora.

Tags

HS-ESS1-A-4

Which layer of Earth's atmosphere contains the charged particles that interact to form auroras?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Ionosphere

• Exosphere

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall