Question

The natural phenomenon known as the "Northern Lights" occurs when gaseous particles collide at the Earth's north and south magnetic poles: low-altitude oxygen creates a pale yellow and green color, high-altitude oxygen results in a red hue, and nitrogen produces blue or purplish-red lights. What causes the different colors in the Northern Lights?

1) Different altitudes of oxygen particles
2) Collision of oxygen and nitrogen particles
3) Interactions with the Earth's magnetic poles
4) Variations in atmospheric conditions

Answer 1

The different colors in the Northern Lights are caused by the 3. interaction of charged particles with the Earth's magnetic field. Low-altitude oxygen creates a pale yellow and green color, high-altitude oxygen results in a red hue, and nitrogen produces blue or purplish-red lights.

Step-by-step explanation:

The different colors in the Northern Lights are caused by the 3. interaction of charged particles with the Earth's magnetic field. When charged particles from the solar wind reach the Earth's magnetosphere and collide with particles in the atmosphere, they cause the air molecules to glow.

The color of the Northern Lights depends on the type of gas particles that are involved in the collision. Low-altitude oxygen particles create a pale yellow and green color, high-altitude oxygen results in a red hue, and nitrogen produces blue or purplish-red lights.