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WEATHER FACTS |
WHAT CAUSES THE AURORAS?
Most auroras occur in response to energetic particles from a solar storm, which cause the gases of the thin upper atmosphere to glow. They take place at heights between 50 to 100 miles above the Earth. The aurora can last anywhere between a few minutes to several hours. Auroras are most common in polar regions. The various colors, of which green and red predominate, are the results of various light emissions from oxygen and nitrogen gases being energized by the solar particles. |
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