Chapter 1
The solar engine
Chapter 2
Earth's magnetic shield
Chapter 3
The atmospheric neon sign
Chapter 4
Global legends and sister lights
YOUR GOAL
Master of Why the northern lights happen
Ch 1 · The solar engine
artiteacher The Solar Engine
Solar winds blow, Earth's shield starts to glow, green lights paint the snow
artiteacher Solar activity fluctuates on a regular eleven-year cycle, directly affecting aurora frequency.
artiteacher A continuous stream of charged particles flows from the Sun across the solar system.
BETA
artiteacher Steer solar winds toward Earth to learn how the solar engine powers the northern lights.
Fun Fact
Solar speed: Solar wind particles travel from the Sun to Earth at speeds exceeding one million miles per hour.
Quiz
How long does it typically take for solar wind particles to travel from the Sun to Earth?
Quiz
What is the primary source of energy and particles that cause the northern lights?