The colors of the northern lights are caused by collisions between charged particles from the sun and gases in Earth’s atmosphere, with the specific color determined by the gas that is excited and the altitude at which the collision occurs. Oxygen atoms produce the most common green and red light, while nitrogen molecules create blue and purple colors.
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- Green: The most common color, produced by oxygen atoms at altitudes of about 60 miles (100 km).
- Red: Caused by atomic oxygen at higher altitudes, around 120-180 miles (200-300 km).
- Blue and Purple: Created by nitrogen molecules. Blue is typically seen at lower altitudes, while purple can occur at the bottom edges of green curtains when electrons have high energy.
- Yellow and Pink: These are a mix of red and green, or blue and red, often appearing during periods of high solar activity.
- Other factors: The intensity and colors are also influenced by solar activity, which can increase the number of particles bombarding the atmosphere.
WHY are Aurora’s easier to see with a camera vs. the human eye? Easiest explanation is that cameras can capture more light DETAIL than the human eye!!
What about TONIGHT? It looks like G5 solar activity is expected: https://www.spaceweather.gov/
In other words, a very good chance of seeing more northern lights tonight with clear skies!!!
Here’s a look at some of last nights pics which were visible all the way down to Kansas City:
Here’s some of OUR northern lights:
Enjoy the light show from above once again tonight.
