> ## Content Index
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# The Science and Beauty of Auroras
- URL: https://www.cascadepbs.org/show/its-okay-be-smart/episode/its-okay-be-smart-auroras/
- Published: 2024-04-02T23:16:50.000Z
- Updated: 2025-08-20T09:55:40.000Z
- Description: Joe Hanson explains the science behind Earth's own cosmic light show.
- Author: Cascade PBS Staff
- Tags: Be Smart, Season 1, Episode 3, #ZZZ_Episode_add134de-759e-4a9e-a5d7-9f4eadf93be3, #episode, #ZZZ_Show_dc38a6e9-266e-43c1-b647-45e7445fad27, #v1.16

Space might seem like an empty place, but the area surrounding Earth is constantly being bombarded by waves of charged particles released by the Sun: The solar wind. Luckily, thanks to Earth's swirling, molten core (and the magnetic field it provides), we are protected from this planet-sterilizing onslaught like an invisible force field. The visual result? The Auroras.