The Science Behind the Aurora

The video explains the science behind auroras, starting with solar wind from the sun interacting with Earth's magnetic field. It covers how sunspots and solar cycles affect solar activity, leading to solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that can cause auroras. Coronal holes also play a role in aurora formation. The video describes how different gases in the atmosphere create various aurora colors and how the aurora's movement is influenced by magnetic interactions.

What causes the auroral oval to expand to middle latitudes?

• Decreased solar wind activity

• Absence of solar wind

• Stable geomagnetic conditions

• Increased solar wind speed and density

What are sunspots and how do they affect solar activity?

• Areas with no magnetic interaction

• Regions of cooler plasma with strong magnetic fields that can increase solar activity

• Regions that remain constant over time

• Regions of hotter plasma that decrease solar activity

How long does it typically take for a solar cycle to complete?

• 5 years

• 30 years

• 11 years

• 20 years

What is the primary cause of auroras during solar minimum?

• Sunspots

• Coronal holes

• CMEs

• Solar flares

Which gas is responsible for creating green auroras?

• Nitrogen

• Helium

• Hydrogen

• Oxygen