General Science Project
Topic- Through the Looking Glass
Sub Topic – Cracking the Enigmas:
Science And Beyond
Project Name – The Science behind
the northern lights (Aurora Borealis)
Presented By
Naisha Ganguly
Class – V H
Where Do we see the Auroras?
Auroras, also known as the Northern Lights (Aurora
Borealis) in the Northern Hemisphere and the
Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) in the Southern
Hemisphere, are typically seen in regions close to
the Earth's polar areas.
In the Northern Hemisphere, such as in Scandinavia,
Canada, Alaska, and Iceland, auroras are often
visible during certain times of the year.
In the Southern Hemisphere, places like Antarctica,
New Zealand, Tasmania, and parts of Australia offer
opportunities to witness the Southern Lights.
The Science behind the formation of the auroras
These phenomena occur when charged
particles from the sun interact with the
Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere,
creating stunning light displays in the sky.
Here's a breakdown of the science behind
their formation:
1. Solar Wind and Charged Particles:
The sun continuously emits a stream of
charged particles known as the solar
wind. These particles, primarily electrons
and protons, travel through space and
can reach the Earth.
2. Earth's Magnetic Field: The Earth has
a strong magnetic field that extends into
space. This magnetic field is created by
the movement of molten iron and nickel
in the Earth's outer core. It forms a
protective shield around the planet,
deflecting many of the charged particles
from the sun.
3. Magnetosphere: The region around
Earth where the magnetic field dominates
and interacts with the solar wind is called
the magnetosphere. The solar wind
compresses the magnetosphere on the
side facing the sun and stretches it out
on the opposite side, creating a teardrop
shape.
Contd…..
4.Magnetic Field Lines and Auroral Ovals: The
Earth's magnetic field lines converge near the poles,
regions known as auroral ovals around the magnetic
poles. These ovals are where auroras are most
commonly observed.
5. Charged Particle Interaction: When the solar
wind's charged particles enter the magnetosphere,
they can follow the magnetic field lines toward the
Earth's poles. As they approach the atmosphere near
the poles, they collide with gas molecules, primarily
oxygen and nitrogen.
6.Excitation and Emission: These collisions cause
the gas molecules in the atmosphere to become
excited. When they return to their normal state, they
release energy in the form of light. Oxygen molecules
typically produce green and red colors, while nitrogen
molecules can contribute to blue and purple hues.
7. Color Variations: The specific colors and patterns
of auroras depend on factors like the altitude of the
excited molecules, the types of particles involved, and
the energy of the collisions. Different gases at varying
altitudes can produce the characteristic curtains,
swirls, and rays seen in auroras.
8.Geomagnetic Storms: Auroras are more likely to
be visible during geomagnetic storms, which occur
when there are disturbances in the solar wind or when
the sun releases large amounts of charged particles in
events like solar flares or coronal mass ejections
(CMEs). These events can enhance the intensity and
extent of auroral displays.
Thank
You
