Astronomy
What Causes the Aurora Borealis and Australis?
Quick fact
The particles that create auroras travel 150 million kilometers from the Sun at speeds up to 72 million km/h, yet only a tiny fraction ever reach our atmosphere—and Earth's magnetic shield guides them toward the poles.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever seen a shimmering curtain of green light dancing across the Arctic sky and wondered what sorcery creates such a breathtaking display?