Solar activity
Particles released by the Sun travel through space toward Earth.
Nature’s light show
What causes an aurora?
The Northern Lights, also called the aurora borealis, happen when charged particles from the Sun interact with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. The result: ribbons of light that can shimmer in green, pink, violet, and red.
Earth’s magnetic field
Our planet’s magnetic field guides many of these particles toward the polar regions.
Colorful collisions
Particles collide with atmospheric gases, which release energy as colored light.
Planning a skywatch
How to improve your chances
Choose a dark location away from city lights, check the local aurora
forecast, and give your eyes time to adjust. Clear skies matter—and
patience helps!