Northern Lights and Solar Flares

Auroras are natural light displays near the poles, known as Aurora borealis in the north and Aurora australis in the south. They are caused by solar flares and solar wind from the sun, which release charged particles that interact with Earth's magnetic field. These particles collide with atmospheric atoms, emitting light in various colors. The colors depend on the elements present, such as oxygen and nitrogen. Auroras are rare and occur when enough charged particles reach the poles.

Describe the process that occurs when charged particles collide with atoms in the upper atmosphere.

What determines the variety of colors seen in the Aurora?