light show

Physicists solved a longstanding mystery of the aurora borealis

by Elana Spivack
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Scinerds

The aurora borealis is one of nature’s greatest wonders. As ethereal as it seems, this magical sight is the result of physics, and it begins with solar activity.

NASA/Scott Kelly

Every so often, the Sun burps out solar flares, which in turn cause violent geomagnetic storms.

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
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