Hello Carissa,

Particles fomr the Sun are constantly interaction with the Earth's atmosphere. Because the Earth has a magnetic field most of the particles get channeled to the north and south poles where they penetrate into the upper atmosphere and collide with the Nitrogen, Oxygen and other molecules which make up the atmosphere. When the energy of the incoming solar particles is strong enough you see aurora. Very few of the solar particles make it to the ground.

Cheers - David