How are the northern lights formed?

The northern lights, the visual show, and the sky face attract the attention of curiosity. In a new study, events in the formation of northern lights were confirmed.

The geophysicists at the University of Tokyo observed the mechanisms that led to the northern lights and confirmed the theories about their formation. According to accepted general theory, the spectacular light show begins with a kind of plasma wave called Chrous waves. Magnetic reconfiguration can cause the electrons to spill into the upper atmosphere. This spread from the Sun to the Earth is concentrated in the poles. When the electrons are falling in the upper atmosphere, colored lights appear. This structure is called "aurora ovali". However, there was no clear information on whether these waves had enough energy to produce auras.

To observe this phenomenon, researchers have developed a new sensor. Observations were made with a sensor mounted in the Geospace (ERG) energization and radiation survey initiated by the Japan Space Exploration Agency. The researchers found that the oscillating electron flow was intense enough to produce aurora.