What Causes the Colors of the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are like a cosmic fireworks show. When particles from the sun hit Earth’s atmosphere, they light up the sky with colors. Green is the most common because it happens when these particles bump into oxygen molecules high in the air. Pink and red happen lower down, where nitrogen is more active.

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Examples

  1. A green light flickers above a snow-covered forest
  2. Pink waves ripple across the night sky like water
  3. Violet ribbons twist overhead on a cold winter night

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