Task 1 - Long reading

Read the following text about a fascinating natural phenomenon and answer the 15 questions.

The Northern Lights: Nature's Light Show

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The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, is one of Earth's most spectacular natural light displays. It is a celestial ballet of vibrant colours, usually seen in the high-latitude regions around the Arctic. This phenomenon has captivated humans for millennia, inspiring myths and legends in various cultures, from the Norse sagas to the folklore of indigenous peoples in North America. Scientifically, the aurora is caused by disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by solar wind. These disturbances are the result of collisions between electrically charged particles released from the sun and gaseous particles in the Earth's atmosphere.

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When these charged particles from the sun strike atoms and molecules in Earth's atmosphere, they excite these atoms and molecules, causing them to emit light. The colour of the light depends on the type of gas particles involved and the altitude at which the collision occurs. Oxygen produces green and yellowish-green light, which is the most common colour seen. Red auroras are also from oxygen, but at higher altitudes. Nitrogen, on the other hand, produces blue or purplish-red aurora. The intensity and duration of the aurora can vary greatly, from faint glows lasting minutes to brilliant displays that dance across the sky for hours.

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While the scientific explanation is relatively recent, the visual impact of the Northern Lights has always been profound. Historically, many cultures interpreted the aurora as spirits, omens, or even divine messages. The Sami people of Scandinavia, for instance, often viewed them with caution, believing they were the spirits of their ancestors and that whistling or waving at them was disrespectful or dangerous. In contrast, some North American indigenous groups, like the Cree, saw the aurora as the spirits of their ancestors dancing in the sky, bringing joy and a sense of connection to the spiritual world.

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To witness the Northern Lights, several factors need to align. Firstly, you need to be in a high-latitude location, such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Canada, Alaska, or parts of Russia. Secondly, clear, dark skies are essential; light pollution from cities can significantly diminish the visibility of the aurora. The best times to see them are usually during the autumn and winter months (September to April) when the nights are long and dark. Finally, strong solar activity increases the likelihood of a powerful display, and there are various aurora forecasts available online to help enthusiasts plan their trips.

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Although primarily associated with the Northern Hemisphere, there is a similar phenomenon in the Southern Hemisphere called the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights. This occurs around the Antarctic region and is caused by the same scientific principles. While fewer people travel to the Antarctic to see them due to the harsh conditions, scientists and researchers often witness spectacular displays. The study of auroras continues to be an important field in space weather research, as these events can also affect satellite communications and power grids on Earth.