Why the northern lights happen
Chapter 1
The solar engine
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Answer
Chapter 2
Earth's magnetic shield
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Chapter 3
The atmospheric neon sign
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Chapter 4
Global legends and sister lights
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YOUR GOAL
Master of Why the northern lights happen
Ch 2 · Earth's magnetic shield
teacher Earth's Magnetic Shield
Safe in our shield, safe in our shield Solar winds turn into neon lights!
Fun Fact
Earth's shield: Without Earth's magnetic field, the solar wind would have stripped away our atmosphere billions of years ago.
Glossary
magnetosphere (noun)
The region surrounding an astronomical body in which its magnetic field dominates. In 2015, NASA's Magnetosphere Multiscale mission began mapping how this protective boundary interacts with solar winds.
The region surrounding an astronomical body in which its magnetic field dominates. In 2015, NASA's Magnetosphere Multiscale mission began mapping how this protective boundary interacts with solar winds.
Quiz
What are the ring-like regions around Earth's poles where auroras typically appear?
Quiz
What event occurs when a massive solar storm temporarily disrupts Earth's magnetic field?