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Auroras are luminous, deeply mysterious curtains of light that often grace dark skies near the North and South poles. They occur when a space weather event energizes the magnetic force field shielding our planet, churning up electrons and protons and causing them to smash into the mix of gases in the upper atmosphere. The result is a bright glow that can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours.
During a magnetic field reversal, which can take hundreds or thousands of years to complete, these dazzling natural light shows would be visible every night of the year.
If you've ever wondered why auroras only occur near the magnetic north and south poles, why they appear in different colors and shapes, and whether or not they happen on other planets, click on the slide show at left and find answers to these and other questions as you view a stunning collection of auroral displays.
— Lexi Krock
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