The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, is a naturally occurring phenomenon that appears in the polar regions of the Earth, mainly in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. This remarkable display of lights is the result of charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms and molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere.
The Northern Lights
The collision between charged particles and oxygen or nitrogen atoms creates a stunning spectacle of colorful lights in the sky. The colors of the Northern Lights vary depending on the type of gas particles that are being ionized by the charged particles. Green is the most common color, but red, yellow, and blue hues are also possible.
The ideal time to witness the Northern Lights is during the winter months when the nights are longer and darker. Some of the best locations to see the Northern Lights include Alaska, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Canada.