An aurora is a luminous atmospheric phenomenon that can be seen most frequently above 60° North or South latitude, and sometimes spills over to other parts of the world. It consists of rapidly shifting patches and dancing columns of light of various colours. Dramatic displays occur around spring and fall equinoxes but the aurora can be seen any cloudless night, the best time being around midnight in the winter. It is named according to its location, Aurora Borealis meaning the northern lights, and Aurora Australis meaning the southern lights. The general name for both is Aurora PolarisC since both displays occur at the earth=s poles.

For many years, the ideas about what causes an aurora were left to old legends and unsubstantiated theories. The inuit believed that the northern lights were the spirits of dead

It is difficult to believe that the mystery of the auroras took 300 long years to solve. But, it is true. Although many physicists came close throughout the years, it took until the 1950's to develop the necessary equipment to determine the cause of these magnificent luminous displays. While studies about what goes on in an aurora are ongoing, people around the world continue to enjoy both the northern and southern lights. Regardless of what causes them, they represent one of the most beautiful natural phenomenons of this world, and will continue to do so for years to come.

When 10,000 km above ground, the Birkland=s Currents begin to shape like curtains and begin to accelerate. At about 100-200 km from ground, they run into the Oxygen and Nitrogen gases in our atmosphere. When hit by this stream of electrons, the O2 and N2 molecules become excited and emit light. This is what we see as an aurora.

Approximately every eleven years, explosions erupt from sun spots creating what are called Solar Flares. These flares can extend tens of thousands of kilometres high and reach temperatures of 20 million degrees Celcius. They also propel Solar Wind, which is a stream of radiation and plasmaC a spray of charged particles. This solar wind, which can travel through space at 1-3 million km/h, approaches and threatens earth two to three days after leaving the sun. At approximately 65,000 km from the earth=s surface, the wind enc

Some common words found in the essay are:
Sound Inuit, O2 N2, Solar Wind, CAUSES AURORA, , North South, Birkland=s Currents, Germanic Norse, Solar Flares, Wind Approximately, solar wind, earth=s magnetic, magnetic field, field lines, magnetic field lines, stream electrons, world continue, southern lights, o2 n2, light nitrogen, displays occur, earth=s magnetic field,
Approximate Word count = 968
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)