Natural Phenomenon: The Beautiful Aurora

source: icestories.exploratorium.edu

According to Wikipedia, an aurora is a natural light display in the sky, predominantly seen in the high latitude (Arctic and Antarctic) regions. The name Aurora derives from the Latin word aurora, meaning "sunrise". It is also Roman goddess of dawn.

Auroras are caused by charged particles, mainly electrons and protons, entering the atmosphere from above causing ionisation and excitation of atmospheric constituents, and consequent optical emissions. Incident protons can also produce emissions as hydrogen atoms after gaining an electron from the atmosphere.

source: apod.nasa.gov

Most auroras occur in a band known as the auroral zone, which is typically 3° to 6° wide in latitude and between 10° and 20° from the geomagnetic poles at all local times (or longitudes), most clearly seen at night against a dark sky. There are two types of auroras: aurora borealis and aurora australis. The division is based on their existance place. Aurora borealis can be seen at northern latitudes, so it is also called as the Northern Lights. The opposite, the Southern Lights, is the other name for aurora australis.

I always love seeing the aurora. No, I don't see it by myself as I don't live near the poles, but what I can see from the photos is enough to introduce me its beauty. I hope someday I'll be able to see it by my own eyes, though, aamiin.

source: id.wikipedia.org