Explore the science behind what causes the incredible light and color of the Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis.

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Why do we see those stunning lights in the northern- and southernmost portions of the night sky? The Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis occur when high-energy particles are flung from the Sun's corona toward the Earth and mingle with the neutral atoms in our atmosphere -- ultimately emitting extraordinary light and color. Michael Molina explains every step of this dazzling phenomenon.

Lesson by Michael Molina, animation by Franco Barroeta.

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View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-epic-solar-winds-make-brilliant-polar-lights-michael-molina
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