The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural light display predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic. It is not a state of matter but rather a phenomenon caused by the interaction of solar wind with the Earth’s magnetosphere.
When charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, such as oxygen and nitrogen, they emit light. This light forms the colorful displays we know as the Northern Lights. The colors vary depending on the type of gas particles involved and the altitude at which the collisions occur.
For example, oxygen molecules typically produce green and red light, while nitrogen molecules produce blue and purple light. The Aurora Borealis is a beautiful example of how the Earth’s atmosphere interacts with solar activity, creating a stunning visual experience in the night sky.