Topbar Multimedia Catalogue Glossary
Catalogue > Glossary >
Imagine: Aurora boreale Aurora borealis
  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Spectacular luminescence observed mainly near the poles at altitudes between 100 and 500 km. Produced by the charged particles from the Sun carried by the solar wind that are diverted from the terrestrial magnetic field and collide with gas molecules in the atmosphere. These shocks excite the molecules, which, reverting to their original state, emit light.

 
.................................
 
 
 

EXPLORE...

related objects

  © 1995-2010 IMSS  Piazza dei Giudici 1  50122 Florence   ITALY