In May 2024, the biggest solar storm in over 20 years hit the Earth. This caused auroras to spread over regions beyond the North and South Poles, where the phenomenon is usually exclusively visible. In the rare event, people in many parts of Europe, North America, and Asia were able to enjoy a beautiful pink and purple glow in the night sky.
The event led many to wonder what a solar storm is and how it is related to auroras. A solar storm mainly occurs during periods of intense solar activity. It begins with solar flares, which are huge bursts of charged particles released from the Sun. These flares are accompanied by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), streams of charged particles that travel at incredible speeds. These streams then travel through space and finally hit the Earth.
Auroras, commonly referred to as the Northern or Southern Lights, are caused by the charged particles from CMEs that reach our planet. When the particles strike the Earth, they interact with oxygen and nitrogen in the planet’s upper atmosphere. This creates a beautiful display of colorful lights in the sky. Oxygen atoms glow green, while nitrogen atoms glow pink, purple, and blue. This is why people can see the Northern Lights in a range of beautiful colors.
單字片語整理
Words in Use
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visible
[ˋvɪzəb!]
a. 肉眼可見的；顯而易見的
The building was visible through the trees.
從這片樹林望出去可看見那棟建築物。
There’s been a visible change in Hank since he started exercising.
自從開始運動後，漢克有了明顯的改變。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 3
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glow
[glo]
n. 光輝
vi. 發光；（眼睛）發亮
三態
glowed / glowed
The oil lamp gives off a soft glow.
油燈散發出柔和的光。
The shirt glows in the dark.
這件襯衫在暗處會發光。
Mary’s eyes glowed with passion when she saw me.
瑪莉見到我時，雙眼散發出熱情的光芒。
多益金色
英檢中級
高中 Level 3
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burst
[bɝst]
vt. & vi. （使）爆破 / 炸
n. 爆破 / 炸，噴；（感情）爆發
三態
burst / burst [bɝst] / burst [bɝst]
The little boy used a needle to burst the balloon.
小男孩用一根針刺破氣球。
Melissa burst out crying when she heard about the accident.
梅莉莎聽到關於這個意外的消息就大哭了起來。
Melissa burst into tears when she heard about the accident.
梅莉莎聽到關於這個意外的消息就大哭了起來。
We could hear the bomb burst in the distance.
我們可以聽到遠處炸彈爆炸的聲響。
Do you know what caused the burst of water?
你知道造成水噴出來的原因嗎？
Tommy gave a loud burst of laughter when he heard my joke.
湯米聽到我講的笑話就放聲大笑。
多益藍色
英檢初級
高中 Level 2
●
release
[rɪˋlis]
vt. & n. 釋出，釋放（= let go of）；發行，發布
After ten years in prison, the prisoner was released this morning.
坐了 10 年牢後，那名囚犯今早獲釋。
The authorities concerned have released the names of those killed in the crash.
有關當局已發布這次空難的罹難者名單。
Simon’s good behavior earned him early release from prison.
賽門表現良好，因此可以提早出獄。
Marilyn Manson’s latest release again topped the charts.
瑪莉蓮．曼森發行的最新專輯再次橫掃排行榜冠軍。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 3
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upper
[ˋʌpɚ]
The motorcyclist’s upper arms were badly injured in the accident.
這名摩托車騎士的上臂在這起意外中嚴重受傷。
The upper management has the power and responsibility to make important decisions. 上層管理階級有做重要決策的權力和責任。
In her relationship with Ray, Judy is always the one who has the upper hand.
在茱蒂和雷的交往關係裡，茱蒂總是占上風的一方。
高中 Level 2
Extra Words
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exclusively
[ɪkˋsklusɪvlɪ]
adv. 獨佔地；排外地；專有地
The event is exclusively for invited guests.
這個活動僅對受邀的客人開放。
英檢中高
高中 Level 5
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intense
[ɪnˋtɛns]
a. 強烈的
=
strong
=
powerful
Mary’s anger towards her husband was too intense for her to forgive him.
瑪莉對她丈夫的恨意強烈到她無法原諒他。
I can’t stand the intense heat waves during the summer.
我無法忍受夏日強烈的熱浪。
多益金色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
accompany
[əˋkʌmpənɪ]
vt. 陪伴
Let me accompany you to your house.
讓我陪你回家吧。
多益綠色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
incredible
[ɪnˋkrɛdəb!]
a. 難以置信的
=
unbelievable
It’s incredible that Victor speaks English so fluently without an accent.
維克多英文講得這麼流利又沒口音，真令人難以置信。
多益綠色
英檢中高
高中 Level 4
●
interact
[͵ɪntəˋrækt]
vi. 互動
Tom interacts well with other kids at school.
湯姆在學校和其他的小朋友互動良好。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
atmosphere
[ˋætməs͵fɪr]
n. 大氣；空氣；氛圍
=
feeling
=
mood
The satellite is fixed at a point just outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
那枚衛星被安置在地球大氣層外的某個定點上。
Mildew easily forms in my room because of the damp atmosphere.
因為空氣很潮溼，我的房間很容易長黴。
I like the warm and pleasant atmosphere in that coffee shop.
我喜歡那家咖啡廳溫暖又愉快的氣氛。
多益綠色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
Practical Phrases
●
be related to
與⋯⋯有關
The artist's paintings are related to the relationship between man and nature.
那名藝術家的畫作是關於人類與大自然之間的關係。
