Skip to main content

What is an aurora? - Michael Molina

891,645 Views

14,539 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

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.

Have you ever been on a trip that took a lot of detours? Maybe you didn’t ask for directions or just had to stop at Dinosaur World. Describe the main detours of the polar lights journey to Earth.

Sign in to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

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

More from Out Of This World