The Northern Lights
What causes the aurora borealis?
An engaging exploration of the science behind the Aurora Borealis, explaining how solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetic field to create colorful light displays.
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Northern Lights Basics
1. What is the other name for the Northern Lights?
- A. Solar Wind
- B. Aurora Borealis
- C. Magnetic Shield
- D. The Sun's Energy
2. Which big star sends particles toward Earth to help create the lights?
- A. The Moon
- B. The North Star
- C. The Sun
- D. Other planets
3. What colors does oxygen make in the sky?
- A. Green and red
- B. Blue and purple
- C. Yellow and orange
- D. Pink and brown
4. Where can we see these lights appearing?
- A. Only in the house
- B. Near the North and South Poles
- C. Right on the ground
- D. Inside an airplane
Exploring Sky Science
1. Why is it hard to see the lights in the summer?
- A. It is too hot
- B. The sky stays bright for a long time
- C. There is too much wind
- D. The lights disappear in summer
2. Does it have to be freezing cold to see the Northern Lights?
- A. Yes, they only happen in ice
- B. Yes, they only happen in snow
- C. No, you just need a dark, clear night
- D. No, they only happen when it is hot
3. Earth has an invisible shield that protects us. What is it called?
- A. A wall of clouds
- B. A magnetic field
- C. The ozone layer
- D. The solar wind
4. What happens when solar particles crash into the gases in our air?
- A. They cause a loud boom
- B. They make the air cold
- C. They create glowing colors
- D. They disappear forever
Sources
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