What are the similarities between the AURORA BOREALIS and a RAINBOW?

Question

Other than the fact that both of them are seen in nature, what else is common about the two? (Give me a reason like... They're caused by the same thing. Something like that.Ü)

Answer 1

a rainbow is caused by light refracted through water droplets in the air

the aurora borealis is caused by electron decay in the upper atmosphere

sooooooo.....hmmmmm.  i would have to say....they both make pretty colors.

Answer 2

Both are atmospherical optical effects and in fact are optical illusions .Both, in a way, are caused by the sun even though the process differs.Both exhibit colours.

Answer 3

I am a professional aurora photographer - you can see some of my work at www.northpolegallery.com and in the links section you will other neat scientific places to learn about the aurora.

These two effects have little in common except they happen above us!  Rain bow is caused by rain and only happens when the sun is out.  The aurora is caused by charged particles striking the earths upper atmosphere about 60 miles up and happens day and night 24/7 - it's only visible at night (but detectable by satellite).

Hope this helps