Aurora Above
Explanation:
On some nights the sky is the most interesting show in town.
This picture captures a particularly
active and colorful display of
aurora that occurred a month ago high above
Alaska.
Auroras are more commonly seen by observers located near the
Earth's poles.
Aurora light results
from solar
electrons and
protons striking molecules high in the Earth's atmosphere.
Planetary aurora activity can sometimes be
predicted after particularly active solar
coronal mass ejections.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
