The aurora is formed in the rarefied upper atmosphere when the solar wind meets a planet's magnetic field. The earth is not the only body in our solar system to have an aurora; Jupiter and Saturn have been observed to possess them too. In fact, you can make an aurora yourself, using only an electrical power source, a magnet and a vacuum pump.

In "Let's make an aurora," you can watch the video for a better understanding of the contents. If the video will not run, check to see if you have Quick Time. If you do not have Quick Time,downloadQuick Timeand install, and then download the plug-in and install. you have Quick Time, download the plug-in and install. It will take time to watch the CG.

The content was created based on research by Mr.Shigeyuki Minami. To submit your ideas and opinions regarding the content, please send e-mail to the Science Museum (Japan) (sln@jsf.or.jp)