Fill in the chart below with text evidence that helps you determine how auroras are similar to laser lights. Combine this text evidence with the provided background knowledge to form an inference.
Text Evidence
– Auroras look like green, red, or violet ribbons of light.
– Auroras only appear near the North and South Poles.
Background Knowledge
– People are always amazed by unusual natural events.
Inference
With a partner, discuss which piece of text evidence most strongly supports your inference and why. How does this evidence help you understand the appeal of the auroras?
Text Evidence:
– Auroras look like green, red, or violet ribbons of light.
– Auroras only appear near the North and South Poles.
Background Knowledge:
– People are always amazed by unusual natural events.
Inference:
The vivid colors of auroras, such as green, red, and violet, combined with their rarity, as they are only seen near the poles, suggest that they are similar to laser lights in terms of visual spectacle and rarity. This uniqueness and striking appearance can captivate people’s attention, making them feel a sense of wonder.
Discussion Point:
The first piece of text evidence, “Auroras look like green, red, or violet ribbons of light,” most strongly supports the inference. This is because the vibrant colors are visual elements that can evoke fascination, much like how people are drawn to laser lights at shows. The colors’ similarity highlights why the auroras are appealing; dramatic coloring and unusual patterns combine to create an enchanting natural phenomenon.