How Auroras Work

Courtesy of Brain Pickings, here's a 4:49 video that clearly explains how auroras (both borealis and australis) occur. I knew vaguely what was happening, but this is a clear and concise animation of the forces involved. 

I really hope to see this phenomenon one day. 

Comments

[Rik Elswit]

Cool video. The only time I saw the real thing in all its vividness was on my one Concorde flight from the UK to New York. Just stunning. Totally gawkworthy.

[Scott Underwood]

Just saw this earlier today, and meant to post it:

http://boingboing.net/2011/09/16/the-southern-lights-from-space.html/aurora

[Jonathan Moreno]

You and me both... perhaps a bucket list endeavor?