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  • Released Tuesday, August 30, 2011
  • Updated Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 12:35PM
  • ID: 10788

Why do some auroras shimmer and dance with vibrant colors?

Why do some auroras shimmer and dance with vibrant colors?

Overlapping fields of view from ground-based sky imagers piece together erupting aurora during a night in February 2008.

Most auroras, such as this arc of light observed in Alaska, glow with a greenish color.

Most auroras, such as this arc of light observed in Alaska, glow with a greenish color.

Occasionally auroras burst into a full suite of red, purple, and yellow tones.

Occasionally auroras burst into a full suite of red, purple, and yellow tones.

The circles show the portion of the sky each instrument can monitor, as well as the portion of the atmosphere visible from any one location.

The circles show the portion of the sky each instrument can monitor, as well as the portion of the atmosphere visible from any one location.

The cameras require dark areas free of obstructions, but as seen by streaks in the seventh circle to the left, sometimes trees get in the way.

The cameras require dark areas free of obstructions, but as seen by streaks in the seventh circle to the left, sometimes trees get in the way.

THEMIS satellites and ground sensors helped prove solar wind merging with magnetic field lines can spur colorful eruptions.



Credits

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center



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