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Credit: D. Hutchinson
Explanation:
Higher than the
highest mountain, higher than the
highest airplane, lies the realm of the aurora. Aurora rarely reach below 60 kilometers,
and can range up to 1000 kilometers.
Aurora light results from solar electrons and
protons striking molecules in the
Earth's atmosphere. Frequently,
when viewed from space, a complete aurora will appear
as a
circle around one of the
Earth's magnetic poles. The
above
photograph was taken in January in Alaska and shows a
spectacular aurora borealis above a frozen landscape
which includes
spruce trees and the photographer's truck.
The picture had to be taken quickly as the
temperature was below -40 degrees.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: aurora
Publications with words: aurora
See also: