An aurora (shown below)is produced when
A) charged particles flow toward the magnetic poles and excite atmospheric gases.
B) swamp gases rise from the Arctic tundra and react with the upper atmosphere.
C) radiation in the Van Allen belts can be seen on a clear,cold night.
D) lightning travels from cloud to cloud rather than cloud to ground.

Question

An aurora (shown below)is produced when 
A) charged particles flow toward the magnetic poles and excite atmospheric gases. 
B) swamp gases rise from the Arctic tundra and react with the upper atmosphere. 
C) radiation in the Van Allen belts can be seen on a clear,cold night. 
D) lightning travels from cloud to cloud rather than cloud to ground.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Auroras, also known as Northern Lights and Southern Lights, are produced when charged particles from the Sun, mostly electrons and protons, flow toward Earth’s magnetic poles, collide with atmospheric gases such as oxygen and nitrogen, and excite them to emit light. The colors of auroras depend on the type of gas and the altitude of the collision. Auroras are more commonly seen at high latitudes, near the magnetic poles, and during periods of high solar activity.

An Aurora (Shown Below)is Produced When