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What is an aurora on Earth and other planets?

Quick Answer

An aurora is a glowing light display caused when charged particles interact with a planet’s upper atmosphere and magnetic field.

The Full Story

Auroras happen when energetic particles from the Sun are guided by a planet’s magnetic field into its atmosphere, where they excite gases and make them glow. Earth’s auroras are called the aurora borealis and aurora australis. Jupiter and Saturn also have spectacular auroras, and some are influenced by their moons. Different atmospheric gases produce different colors.

Key Facts

1.Earth’s auroras are called aurora borealis and australis
2.Jupiter and Saturn also have auroras
3.Auroras are linked to charged particles and magnetic fields

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Suggested video title for this topic:

"The universe’s light show at the edges of planetary skies"

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