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What's the difference between Borealis and aurora?

Published in Astronomy 1 min read

The terms "Borealis" and "aurora" refer to the same celestial phenomenon: the mesmerizing display of light in the sky caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth's atmosphere.

However, "Borealis" specifically refers to the aurora seen in the northern hemisphere, while "aurora" is a more general term encompassing both the northern and southern lights.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Aurora Borealis: The northern lights, seen in the northern hemisphere.
  • Aurora Australis: The southern lights, seen in the southern hemisphere.
  • Aurora: A general term for both the northern and southern lights.

So, while "Borealis" is a specific type of aurora, "aurora" is a broader term that encompasses all forms of this celestial display.

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