The electrons are energized through acceleration processes in the downwind tail (night side) of the magnetosphere and at lower altitudes along auroral field lines.
In these collisions, the electrons transfer their energy to the atmosphere stirring the atoms and molecules to higher energy states.
As the energy states calm, they are released in the form of light. This is similar to how a neon light performs. The aurora typically manifests 80 to 500 km or 50 to 310.6 miles above the Earth’s surface.
Earth’s magnetic pull captures the electrons, so the aurora forms two ovals centered at the magnetic poles. During major geomagnetic storms these ovals expand away from the poles so that the light show may be seen over most of the U.S.
Aurora comes in several different shapes often forming tall sweeping rays that look like a curtain folded across the sky.
During the evening, these rays can form arcs that stretch from horizon to horizon.
By midnight, the arcs often begin to twist and sway. And they can look like a wind blowing on the curtains of light.
