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Ever wonder why
auroras look so colorful?

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It's not magic — it's science!

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When charged particles from
the Sun and space collide

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with gases high
above Earth's clouds,

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atoms and molecules in Earth's upper
atmosphere release tiny specks of light.

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During an aurora the
color you see

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depends on the type of gas that's
hit and where it's located.

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At higher altitudes oxygen glows red,

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while lower down it turns green.

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Nitrogen, also found in lower
altitudes, emits a blue glow

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and farther down turns pink.

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This happens because the amount of these
gases in the air changes with height.

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At times, light emitted by

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these gases can all blend together,

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causing the auroras to look purple,
orange, or even white.

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Auroras really are a mix
of science and beauty,

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reminding us just how incredible
the Sun-Earth connection really is!