Atomic weight is the relative mass of an atom of the given element compared to the mass of carbon-12. The light radiated by ions and atoms in Earth's upper atmosphere, in the region of the Earth's poles. Those that occur during magnetic storms can create extremely impressive spectacles. A region of space where matter has been collapsed to the point where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, entering that area of space can escape. The supersonic shock wave on the sunward side of the Earth caused by the blast of the solar wind against the Earth's magnetosphere.
Solar wind is slowed to subsonic speeds and heated very rapidly as it arrives at the bow shock.