Question: The rate at which solar wind particles enter the atmosphere is higher during the day than at night, yet the intensity of the auroral emissions

The rate at which solar wind particles enter the atmosphere is higher during the day than at night, yet the intensity of the auroral emissions remains high well after the Sun has set. Can you suggest a means by which the atmospheric molecules might be able to radiate long after the period of collisions with charged particles has ended? (How long does it take a typical atom to radiate from a normal allowed energy state? How could this time be lengthened?)

Step by Step Solution

3.32 Rating (158 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

The atmospheric molecules are excited by the collisions with charged particles during the day and ca... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Students Have Also Explored These Related Inquiry into Physics Questions!