Which phenomenon is primarily responsible for auroras near Earth's poles?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Solar wind and magnetic field interaction.
Auroras occur when the solar wind—a stream of charged particles from the Sun—interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere. As these particles collide with atmospheric gases like oxygen and nitrogen near the poles, they transfer energy, causing the gases to glow. Oxygen produces green and red lights, while nitrogen creates blue and violet hues. This spectacular natural light display is known as the Aurora Borealis in the North and Aurora Australis in the South.