How does the sun create the Southern Lights?
The Aurora Australis is a stunning natural light show created when solar particles collide with Earth's atmosphere.
The Sun constantly emits charged particles called solar wind. When these particles reach Earth, our magnetic field funnels them toward the South Pole. As they crash into gases like oxygen and nitrogen, they release energy as vibrant light, functioning much like a giant neon sign in the sky.
Nerd Mode
The Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, occurs when the magnetosphere is disturbed by solar wind. This phenomenon is primarily driven by the Sun's 11-year solar cycle, which dictates the frequency and intensity of solar flares and coronal mass ejections. When these solar events occur, billions of tons of plasma are hurled into space at speeds reaching up to 450 miles per second.As these charged particles approach Earth, they are deflected by the planet's magnetic field, which is generated by the molten iron core. The field lines channel the particles toward the magnetic poles. In the Southern Hemisphere, this creates a 'coronal ring' around Antarctica. The specific colors observed depend on the altitude and the type of gas involved in the collision.Oxygen atoms located about 60 miles above the surface produce the most common pale yellowish-green color. Rare all-red auroras are produced by high-altitude oxygen at heights of up to 200 miles. Nitrogen typically produces blue or purplish-red light. Researchers at institutions like the University of Otago in New Zealand and various Antarctic research stations monitor these events to study space weather and its impact on global satellite communications.
Verified Fact
FP-0002062 · Feb 16, 2026