" I have read some articles on high energy particles hitting the atmosphere and flourescing, but their maths seemed to imply very low frequency of occurence..."
Sounds like you're referring to the Northern Lights (a.k.a. "Aurora Borealis")? If so, they're actually quite common up north, and breathtaking to see. Even the pictures people put online are amazing.
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" I have read some articles on high energy particles hitting the atmosphere and flourescing, but their maths seemed to imply very low frequency of occurence..." Sounds like you're referring to the Northern Lights (a.k.a. "Aurora Borealis")? If so, they're actually quite common up north, and breathtaking to see. Even the pictures people put online are amazing.