C
新素材 科普知识 One of the most amazing natural wonders in the world is the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. This dazzling light show can be seen in the night sky near the North and South Poles, painting the darkness with shining lines of green, pink, purple, and sometimes even red. But what causes this magical phenomenon, and where can you see it?
The Northern Lights are a result of activity on the Sun. The Sun always sends out tiny energy particles(粒子) called solar wind. When these particles come to the Earth, they meet the Earth’s magnetic field(磁场) and move toward the North and South Poles. There, they hit gases in the air, mainly oxygen and nitrogen, and make them light up. The most common colour is green, which comes from oxygen. Nitrogen produces purple or pink colours. The colours you see depend on which gas gets hit and how high up in the sky this happens.
The best places to see the Northern Lights are in countries close to the Arctic Circle(北极圈), such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska of the USA. They are easiest to see during the winter months when nights are long and dark. Clear skies and locations far from city lights increase the chances of a good view. Some people even plan special trips just to witness this great view, waiting patiently in the cold for the lights to appear.
For centuries, people have been attracted by the Northern Lights. Ancient cultures believed they were spirits dancing in the sky or messages from the gods. Today, scientists study them to understand more about space weather and how solar activity influences the Earth. But for most of us, the Northern Lights remain a beautiful mystery—a reminder of how amazing our planet and space truly are. If you ever get the chance to see them, it will surely be an unforgettable experience.
()30. What’s the main cause of the Northern Lights?
A. Ice shining in the sky.
B. Tiny pieces from the Sun hitting the Earth’s air.
C. City lights near cold places.
D. Lightning in the Arctic Circle.
()31. Which is the best place to watch the Northern Lights?
A. Hot places near the equator.
B. Big cities with lots of lights.
C. Cold countries near the North Pole.
D. Beaches with warm weather.
()32. What does the writer mean by “a beautiful mystery” in the last paragraph?
A. We know everything about them now.
B. They’re pretty, but they hold secrets.
C. They’re amazing, like spirits dancing in the sky.
D. They’re the messages from the gods.