DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Tonight's auroral activity coincides with two X-class solar flares that escaped from the Sun this past Sunday and Monday. These flares are the result of coronal mass ejections, or eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields that escape from the sun. The two flares that escaped from the sun earlier this week are known as X-class flares—the largest type of flare measured. The first escaped on Sunday and is expected to arrive this evening. The second, which escaped on Monday, could arrive as soon as Wednesday morning. The result is a display of mesmerizing colors caused by particles from the sun interacting with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.
Green is the most common color associated with the aurora. This color is produced when charged particles excite oxygen molecules about 60 miles above Earth.Â
Red is also caused by oxygen, but at higher altitudes, around 200 miles above Earth. Â
Purple and violet result from nitrogen molecules and ions. When nitrogen is excited, it can emit purple or violet hues, particularly at lower altitudes.
Blue is sometimes seen in the aurora, caused by ionized nitrogen molecules emitting blue light, especially at lower altitudes.
Clear skies are back just in time tonight. While northern Illinois and Wisconsin are more of a slam dunk to see the aurora, some color may "spill" far enough south into the state for us to see with the aid of a camera lens. Â
Don't forget your jacket on the way out the door, and happy aurora hunting!
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