Solar Activity The Sun's surface is constantly churning, releasing huge clouds of electrically charged particles called the solar wind
During periods of increased solar activity, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, the Sun ejects more of these charged particles into space.
Earth's Magnetic Field As these charged particles from the Sun travel through space, some get captured by the Earth's magnetic field.
Collision with Atmospheric Gases The charged particles from the Sun follow the Earth's magnetic field lines towards the North and South Poles.
Excitation and Emission of Light When the charged particles strike the atmospheric gases, they excite the atoms, causing them to emit light. Oxygen atoms emit green and red light, while nitrogen atoms emit blue and purple light
Auroral Displays The excited atoms release photons, creating the colorful, shimmering displays of the aurora.
The shape and intensity of the aurora depend on the amount of charged particles entering the atmosphere and the strength of the Earth's magnetic field
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