Alternate Definitions for Aurora

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Term: Aurora
Definition: The sporadic radiant emission from the upper atmosphere over the middle and high latitudes. It is believed to be due primarily to the emission of the nitrogen molecule N2, its molecular ion N2+, and atomic oxygen [O]. According to various theories, auroras seem definitely to be related to magnetic storms and the influx of charged particles from the sun. The exact details of the nature of the mechanisms involved are still being investigated. The aurora is most intense at times of magnetic storms (when it is also observed farthest equatorward) and shows a periodicity related to the sun's 27-day rotation period and the 11-year sunspot cycle. The distribution with height shows a pronounced maximum near 100 km. The lower limit is probably near 80 km. The aurora can often be clearly seen, and it assumes a variety of shapes and colors that are characteristic patterns of auroral emission. The names given to the various forms are 1) arcs, which are bands of light extending across the sky, the highest point of the arc being in the direction of the magnetic meridian; 2) rays, which may appear as single lines like a searchlight beam, or in bundles; 3) draperies, which have a curtainlike appearance, sharp on the bottom and tenuous in the upper parts; 4) crown or corona, which are seen when the rays appear to spread out from a single point in the sky; 5) bands, which are similar to the arcs, and may or may not have a ray structure; and 6) diffuse luminous surfaces, which appear as luminous clouds of indefinite shape. Sometimes the term "streamers" is used to describe the auroral forms that extend to great heights. In northern latitudes these displays are called aurora borealis, aurora polaris, or northern lights; in southern latitudes they are called aurora australis.  AMSglossary 

Multicolored lights that appear in the upper atmosphere (ionosphere) over the polar regions and visible from locations in the middle and high latitudes. Caused by the interaction of solar wind with oxygen and nitrogen gas in the atmosphere. Aurora in the Northern Hemisphere are called aurora borelis and aurora australis in the Southern Hemisphere.  PhysicalGeography 

 GCW 
Created 2017.06.06
Last Modified 2022.03.08
Contributed by GCW Glossary
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Term: Aurora
Definition:

An atmospheric phenomenon consisting of bandsof light caused by charged solar particles following the earth's magneticlines of force.

Created 2023.04.16
Last Modified 2023.04.16
Contributed by Ryan McGranaghan
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https://n2t.net/ark:/99152/h10106
Term: Aurora
Definition: The sporadic radiant emission from the upper atmosphere over the middle and high latitudes. It is believed to be due primarily to the emission of the nitrogen molecule N2, its molecular ion N2+, and atomic oxygen [O]. According to various theories, auroras seem definitely to be related to magnetic storms and the influx of charged particles from the sun. The exact details of the nature of the mechanisms involved are still being investigated. The aurora is most intense at times of magnetic storms (when it is also observed farthest equatorward) and shows a periodicity related to the sun's 27-day rotation period and the 11-year sunspot cycle. The distribution with height shows a pronounced maximum near 100 km. The lower limit is probably near 80 km. The aurora can often be clearly seen, and it assumes a variety of shapes and colors that are characteristic patterns of auroral emission. The names given to the various forms are 1) arcs, which are bands of light extending across the sky, the highest point of the arc being in the direction of the magnetic meridian; 2) rays, which may appear as single lines like a searchlight beam, or in bundles; 3) draperies, which have a curtainlike appearance, sharp on the bottom and tenuous in the upper parts; 4) crown or corona, which are seen when the rays appear to spread out from a single point in the sky; 5) bands, which are similar to the arcs, and may or may not have a ray structure; and 6) diffuse luminous surfaces, which appear as luminous clouds of indefinite shape. Sometimes the term "streamers" is used to describe the auroral forms that extend to great heights. In northern latitudes these displays are called aurora borealis, aurora polaris, or northern lights; in southern latitudes they are called aurora australis.
Created 2022.03.08
Last Modified 2023.03.27
Contributed by GCW Glossary
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Term: Aurora
Definition: Multicolored lights that appear in the upper atmosphere (ionosphere) over the polar regions and visible from locations in the middle and high latitudes. Caused by the interaction of solar wind with oxygen and nitrogen gas in the atmosphere. Aurora in the Northern Hemisphere are called aurora borelis and aurora australis in the Southern Hemisphere.
Created 2022.03.08
Last Modified 2023.03.27
Contributed by GCW Glossary
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Term: Aurora
Definition:

An aurora is a natural display of light in the night sky that typically occurs in far northern and southern regions. Auroras occur when incoming charged particles from the sun strike oxygen and nitrogen some 60 to 200 miles up in Earth's atmosphere and release a flash of light and heat. Electrons and protons released by solar storms add to the number of solar particles, and can createght auroras at lower latitudes.

Created 2023.04.16
Last Modified 2023.04.16
Contributed by Ryan McGranaghan
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https://n2t.net/ark:/99152/h9708
Term: Aurora
Definition:

An atmospheric phenomenon consisting of bands of light caused by charged solar particles following the earth's magnetic lines of force. (spase)

Created 2023.04.16
Last Modified 2023.04.16
Contributed by Ryan McGranaghan
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https://n2t.net/ark:/99152/h26476
Created 2023.04.16
Last Modified 2023.04.16
Contributed by Ryan McGranaghan
Permalink:
https://n2t.net/ark:/99152/h27333