Why do auroras form near the poles?

Auroras form when charged particles from the solar wind are guided by Earth’s magnetic field toward the polar regions. At altitudes of roughly 80 to 500 kilometers, those particles strike oxygen and nitrogen atoms, transferring energy that is released as light. Oxygen commonly produces green and red auroras, while nitrogen can create blue or purple hues. This is why auroras are most often seen around the Arctic and Antarctic circles, especially during periods of strong solar activity.