The correct answer is: B. Fast-moving charged particles colliding with air molecules.
The aurora, also known as the northern lights or southern lights, is a natural light display in the sky, predominantly seen in the high-latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic). The aurora is caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. The collision causes the atoms to emit light, which is what we see as the aurora.
The aurora is most commonly seen in the polar regions, but it can also be seen at lower latitudes during periods of high solar activity. The aurora is a beautiful and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, and it is a popular tourist attraction in the polar regions.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- A. Reflections of sunlight by polar ice fields: This is not the correct answer because the aurora is not caused by sunlight. The aurora is caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere.
- B. Fast-moving charged particles colliding with air molecules: This is the correct answer because the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere is what causes the aurora.
- C. Burning oxygen caused by the intense sunlight at high altitude: This is not the correct answer because the aurora is not caused by burning oxygen. The aurora is caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere.
- D. The combination of molecular and atomic oxygen to form ozone: This is not the correct answer because the aurora is not caused by the combination of molecular and atomic oxygen to form ozone. The aurora is caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere.
- E. Scattering of sunlight in the upper atmosphere: This is not the correct answer because the aurora is not caused by the scattering of sunlight in the upper atmosphere. The aurora is caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere.