The Science Behind the Northern Lights

## The Magic Explained: Aurora Borealis Science The Northern Lights are one of nature's most spectacular phenomena. Here's the science behind the magic. ### How Auroras Form 1. **Solar Wind**: The sun releases charged particles into space 2. **Magnetic Field**: Earth's magnetosphere captures these particles 3. **Atmospheric Collision**: Particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen 4. **Light Emission**: Energy is released as colorful light ### Aurora Colors - **Green**: Oxygen at 100-300km altitude (most common) - **Red**: Oxygen above 300km - **Blue/Purple**: Nitrogen - **Pink**: Mix of colors at lower altitudes ### Aurora Shapes - **Arcs**: Stable bands across the sky - **Curtains**: Rippling vertical structures - **Coronas**: Overhead explosions of light - **Pulsating**: Rhythmic flickering patches ### Why Yellowknife? Located at 62.5°N latitude, Yellowknife sits directly under the auroral oval, making it one of the world's premier aurora destinations. ### Fun Facts - Auroras also occur on other planets - They can produce sounds (rare crackling) - Indigenous peoples have rich aurora legends