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Description
The aurora borealis, or “Northern lights” is caused when energetic electrons collide with the gases of the upper atmosphere at height of 100 km and higher. The characteristic red and green colours are produced when oxygen atoms, excited by the electrons, lose their extra energy by emitting light. Under normal circumstances auroral activity is confined to bands known as the “auroral zones” which encircle the northern and southern magnetic poles at high latitudes.

Description
The aurora borealis, or “Northern lights” is caused when energetic electrons collide with the gases of the upper atmosphere at height of 100 km and higher. The characteristic red and green colours are produced when oxygen atoms, excited by the electrons, lose their extra energy by emitting light. Under normal circumstances auroral activity is confined to bands known as the “auroral zones” which encircle the northern and southern magnetic poles at high latitudes.