The Northern Lights
Nature's impressive light show
Mar.17
Long before people started shooting fireworks into the sky, nature had its own light show, the Northern Lights. This "light show" features colorful ribbons of light in the night sky. The ribbons stretch from one end of the horizon to the other and seem to dance. The Northern Lights appear when the sun sends charged particles flying toward Earth. Once these particles collide with the gases high above the earth, they produce colorful light in red, green, blue and violet.
Unfortunately, not everyone can see them. Most of the displays are only visible in far northern places close to the Arctic Circle; that's why they're called the Northern Lights. However, during solar storms, the sun releases more particles than normal. At these times, people as far south as Central Europe and northern China can see the light show. Each "show" may last ten minutes or more—often shorter than a fireworks display, but much more impressive.
Word Bank:
Horizon (n.) 地平线
Not long after the sun goes below the horizon, it becomes dark.
Charged (adj.) 带电的
Linda can't use her call phone because the battery isn't charged.
Particle (n.) [物]粒子；微粒
When you take a class in physics, you will study all about particles.
Collide (v.) 碰撞
After Henry's car collided with another car, he got out to see if the other driver was hurt.
Solar (adj.) 太阳的；太阳能的
When scientists develop solar-powered cars, we will be able to rely on the sun instead of gas.
More Information
the Arctic Circle (n.) 北极圈