What is the Difference between Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis?
The aurora borealis and the aurora australis are both beautiful natural displays of light in the sky. It is easy to confuse the two, because they are both parts of the same underlying phenomenon. However, there are some important differences between the two.
Geographic Location
The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is seen near the North Pole, mostly in the northern hemisphere of the Earth. On the other hand, the aurora australis, also known as the southern lights, is seen near the South Pole, mostly in the southern hemisphere of the Earth.
Cause of the Light
The cause of the light of both the aurora borealis and the aurora australis is solar radiation that interacts with the Earth’s atmosphere. However, the two auroras are caused by different types of solar radiation. The aurora borealis is caused by electrons, and the aurora australis is caused by protons.
Visibility
The aurora borealis is most visible during the winter months, right around the time of the winter solstice. During the summer months, the aurora borealis is still visible but much less so. On the other hand, the aurora australis is visible more frequently throughout the year, with the strongest visibility during the spring months.
Colors
The colors of the two auroras also differ somewhat. The aurora borealis is usually seen in a beautiful green color, although other colors like pink and purple can also be seen. The aurora australis is usually seen in shades of pink, purple, and blue.
Safety
It is important to note that looking directly at the aurora borealis and the aurora australis can be harmful to your eyes. Therefore, it is best to take safety precautions when viewing the auroras, such as wearing special protective glasses.
Overall, the aurora borealis and the aurora australis may seem very similar, but there are some important differences between them. They are both beautiful natural displays of light in the sky, and they are both caused by solar radiation. However, they are found in different geographic locations, and they have different colors and different frequencies of visibility.