All About Auroras

Auroras, also commonly referred to as the southern and northern lights, are a luminous atmospheric phenomenon that generally appear as bright colorful bands of light. Auroras are often visible in the night sky in both the northern and southern regions of the Earth.

Auroras are believed to be caused by charged high energy particles from the solar winds that are trapped within the atmospheric magnetic field of the Earth. As these charged particles spiral back and forth along the lines of the magnetic field, they become visible nearest to the north and south magnetic poles where these magnetic lines disappear into the body of the Earth.

The bright visually pleasing colors commonly associated with auroras are the result of electrons colliding with oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. As these molecules become energized, then cool from their energized state, they emit actual light that can be seen by the naked human eye.

Auroras, both the northern and southern lights, can most frequently and easily be seen during the winter months within a 2500 km radius of the northern and southern magnetic poles. This area is also known as the auroral zone.

For additional information on the science of auroras, including the history of this atmospheric wonder, simply select any of the aurora news articles, pictures or other interactive features below.