The science behind why some auroras have such stunning wave patterns
SMRTR summary
Scientists discovered that aurora arcs, the stunning wave-like patterns of northern and southern lights, are powered by "Alfvén waves" that act like space batteries along Earth's magnetic field lines. These plasma waves accelerate electrons which then collide with atmospheric atoms to create the towering bands of light we see dancing across polar skies.
SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to Scientific American.
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