Account Of Aurora

Mr. Wright gave an account of the aurora and of the basic processes involved. Briefly, he said that protons and electrons from the sun or the Van Allen belts enter the earth's atmosphere and transfer some of their energey to oxygen atoms. The atoms so excited lose this extra energy by emitting light of a specific colour—red or green for oxygen.

By mathematical interpretation of a few carefully selected experiments, Mr. Wright was able to build up our present picture of the phenomenon. As yet there is no complete picture but through this study valuable knowledge about the upper atmosphere has been gained which could lead to improved radio communications.