Visit Your Local PBS Station PBS Home PBS Home Programs A-Z TV Schedules Watch Video
Shop PBS
Search PBS

It’s Okay to Be Smart  The Auroras

Joe Hanson explains the science behind Earth's own cosmic light show. Details

 

Program: It’s Okay to Be Smart

Episode: The Auroras

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.

Duration: (4:50)
Premiere Date: 03/06/2013
Episode Expires: Never
TV Rating: NR


To view the full experience of this website, please download and install latest Adobe Flash Player version.

Did you know? Viewers like you are our largest single source of support.

Learn more

More Videos from It’s Okay to Be Smart

Full episodes
5 VIDEOS

Whose Air do we Share?
3:36 Air Date 04/09/13

Why is the sky any color?
2:50 Air Date 03/13/13

The Auroras
4:50 Air Date 03/06/13

The Odds of Finding Life and Love
4:30 Air Date 03/06/13

Life by the Numbers
4:38 Air Date 03/05/13