Question

the local newspaper has published the passage below.
last week, scientists released incredible images of aurora australis, known as the northern lights. the images show a beautiful display of lights. these lights are the result of the solar activity known as solar wind. the particles of the solar wind flow along the lines of earth’s magnetic field and collide with gas atoms in earth’s atmosphere. light is given off as a result of these collisions. traces of solar wind reach well beyond earth and have been detected as far as saturn.
which statement is inaccurate?
○ solar wind particles flow along the lines of earth’s magnetic field.
○ light is given off when solar wind particles and gas atoms collide.
○ the aurora australis is known as the northern lights.
○ solar winds reach well beyond our planet.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: The passage says "The particles of the solar wind flow along the lines of Earth’s magnetic field", so this statement is accurate.
2. Analyze the second option: The passage states "Light is given off as a result of these collisions" (collisions between solar wind particles and gas atoms), so this is accurate.
3. Analyze the third option: Aurora australis is the southern lights, while aurora borealis is the northern lights. The passage incorrectly states aurora australis is known as the northern lights, so this statement is inaccurate.
4. Analyze the fourth option: The passage says "Traces of solar wind reach well beyond Earth", so this is accurate.

Answer:

C. The aurora australis is known as the northern lights.