Forms of aurora: Arcs, curtains, coronas and more
Here are some of the forms of aurora that you might see. Some are more common, such as diffuse glows, while others are a sign of a big geomagnetic storm. The post Forms of aurora: Arcs, curtains, coronas and more first appeared on EarthSky .
Auroras – the northern and southern lights – can manifest in a variety of shapes, from diffuse glows to arcs, rays, curtains, spirals, and even coronas. Diffuse glows are perhaps the most common type of aurora, appearing as a faint, hazy light that can be mistaken for light pollution if you don't know what to look for. Arcs take on smooth curves or brush-stroke-like patterns, rising from the horizon.
When charged particles follow magnetic field lines, they form parallel columns of light known as rays. Auroral curtains or drapes resemble billowing sheets or shimmering veils, often rippling in a three-dimensional display. Spirals and swirls emerge during intense geomagnetic storms, showcasing turbulent motions within solar plasma.
The ultimate auroral form is the corona, when the lights appear overhead and fill the sky from horizon to horizon.
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