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What is an aurora? - Michael Molina

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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.

You’re a particle in the solar wind and your best friend is an oxygen atom. Explain how this oxygen atom in the Earth’s atmosphere gets “excited” to see you and what happens when you meet.

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Animator Eduardo Sandoval
  • Director Franco Barroeta Fonseca
  • Sound Designer Juan Carlos Aguirre, Luis Orlando Ruíz
  • Educator Michael Molina
  • Narrator Brian Bender

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