Aurora borealis
Latest about Aurora borealis
![the curtains of light from the aurora borealis rain down towards the camera shining green and blue.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JJJqaQDJzCzsTuiy9smkt8-320-80.jpg)
Solar storm slams into Earth and sparks stunning northern lights display (photos)
By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated
A powerful solar storm triggered stunning aurora displays around the world. Here we take a look at some of the best photographs of the recent northern lights outburst.
![solar filament erupts from the surface of the sun.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HRbGopx4dbsYVMgLEG98FS-320-80.gif)
Massive eruption on sun hurls coronal mass ejection toward Earth, auroras likely Sept. 19 (video)
By Daisy Dobrijevic published
A huge solar filament eruption has hurled a coronal mass ejection (CME) toward Earth. The CME is expected to hit Earth on Sept. 19 and may trigger extensive auroras.
![faint green auroras in top left of the image and thin wispy noctilucent clouds on the right.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DLXEao6mASMVtSExdHsjiN-320-80.jpg)
Aurora season has begun! Northern lights spotted in the Arctic Circle (photo)
By Daisy Dobrijevic published
The northern lights have been seen high in the Arctic Circle, indicating the start of the aurora season, which will become more apparent as we approach solar maximum.
![yellow swirls of gas overlaid on a map of Earth](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yJcFrpRKj5ngPvCHJ9U6TQ-320-80.jpg)
Satellites uncover 'invisible' auroras glowing in infrared in Earth's atmosphere
By Briley Lewis published
Scientists have observed an aurora glimmering in infrared light, created by the interaction of energetic cosmic particles and carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere.
![Aurora appear as curtains of light, stretching up through the sky. They are brightly colored starting as green closer to the ground then changing to purple and scarlet red.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8KyCYsto2PoN2r23PxDG27-320-80.jpg)
Aurora colors: What causes them and why do they vary?
By Daisy Dobrijevic published
Reference Here we learn what causes the different colors in the aurora borealis (northern lights) and the aurora australis (southern lights).
![A teepee in the center of the image with a starry sky above and the aurora borealis stretching across the sky in a glowing green ribbon of light.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LHDEuqpnJbrRyyfjPhy8uC-320-80.jpg)
Aurora myths, legends and misconceptions
By Daisy Dobrijevic published
Reference Auroras, also known as the aurora borealis (northern lights) and aurora australis (southern lights), have inspired countless myths and legends across the globe as well as numerous misconceptions.
![green and purple ribbons of light fill the sky and a bright white streak of a meteor is visible in the center of the image.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MHDxUy2sdFruqoRmvpHbgj-320-80.jpg)
Severe solar storm slams into Earth and sparks stunning auroras around the world (photos)
By Daisy Dobrijevic published
Dazzling aurora displays — triggered by a severe solar storm — have been seen around the world. We take a look at some of the best photos here.
![A large swirl of blue light shines above the peak of a hill.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/K4V5s4ePuGANhqrRaEZD54-320-80.jpg)
Ethereal whirlpool of light grows into a giant, perfect spiral above Alaska. What was it?
By Harry Baker published
A mystifying swirl of light recently appeared in the night sky above Alaska, briefly outshining a vibrant auroral display.
![the night sky is lit in a strange glow of purples, pinks, and reds](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UQTKeUxbTKPZ3dEVWQKTc-320-80.jpg)
Mysterious aurora-like phenomenon 'STEVE' appears during strongest solar storm for more than half a decade
By Harry Baker published
The STEVE phenomenon was spotted across the U.S. and in parts of the U.K. after the most powerful solar storm to hit Earth for six years smashed into our planet.
![The Northern Lights appear in the sky on March 23, 2023 in Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2UCWUP23ZVCwUo57nSCFBL-320-80.jpg)
Skywatchers enjoy surprise auroras as strongest solar storm in years hits Earth (photos)
By Tereza Pultarova published
A surprise solar storm supercharged auroras across the U.S. and Europe last night (March 23), with sightings of the colorful displays reported from as far south as New Mexico and Arizona.
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