KEARNEY — Auroras were highly visible across central Nebraska during the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Auroras are caused by energized particles from the sun slamming into Earth’s upper atmosphere at speeds of up to 45 million mph.
“Green auroras are typically produced when charged particles collide with high concentrations of oxygen molecules in Earth’s atmosphere at altitudes of around 60 to 190 miles. People can see green auroras the best because the human eye is most sensitive to the green color spectrum,” according to Space.com.
“Red auroras are comparatively less frequent and are usually associated with intense solar activity.
They occur when solar particles react with oxygen at higher altitudes, generally around 180 to 250 miles,” per Space.com.
At this height, oxygen is less concentrated and is excited at a higher frequency or wavelength, making reds visible. Red auroras are often seen at the higher edges of the display.
Photos by Brian Neben, Courtesy
