What is an aurora? - Michael Molina

Explore the science behind what causes the incredible light and color of the Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis. -- Why do we see those stunning lights in the northern- and southernmost portions of the night sky? The Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis occur when high-energy particles are flung from the Sun's corona toward the Earth and mingle with the neutral atoms in our atmosphere -- ultimately emitting extraordinary light and color. Michael Molina explains every step of this dazzling phenomenon. Lesson by Michael Molina, animation by Franco Barroeta. Support Our Non-Profit Mission ---------------------------------------------- Support us on Patreon: http://bit.ly/TEDEdPatreon Check out our merch: http://bit.ly/TEDEDShop ---------------------------------------------- Connect With Us ---------------------------------------------- Sign up for our newsletter: http://bit.ly/TEDEdNewsletter Follow us on Facebook: http://bit.ly/TEDEdFacebook Find us on Twitter: http://bit.ly/TEDEdTwitter Peep us on Instagram: http://bit.ly/TEDEdInstagram ---------------------------------------------- Keep Learning ---------------------------------------------- View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-epic-solar-winds-make-brilliant-polar-lights-michael-molina Dig deeper with additional resources: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-epic-solar-winds-make-brilliant-polar-lights-michael-molina/digdeeper ---------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices