Aurorae are formed when charged particles, spiraling along magnetic field lines, collide with atoms in an atmosphere. Where are the charged particles that produce Jupiter's aurorae believed to originate?
A) from the Sun, just like the particles that produce Earth's aurora
B) from particles ejected from Io's geysers
C) from debris knocked off the inner moons Adrastea and Metis
D) from Jupiter's rings

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The charged particles that produce Jupiter's aurorae primarily originate from Io's geysers. Io, one of Jupiter's moons, has volcanic activity that ejects sulfur dioxide gas into space. This gas gets ionized and forms a plasma torus around Jupiter, contributing to its auroral activity.

Aurorae Are Formed When Charged Particles, Spiraling Along Magnetic Field