The Northern Lights: A Natural Wonder

What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon that occurs in the Earth's sky, primarily in the high-latitude regions. They are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's magnetic field.

When and where can you see the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are most commonly seen in the winter months, when the nights are longer and the sky is darker. They are most visible in the high-latitude regions of the Earth, such as Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. However, they can sometimes be seen as far south as the United States and Europe.

What causes the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's magnetic field. These particles are emitted from the sun's corona, and they travel through space until they reach the Earth's magnetic field. When the particles interact with the magnetic field, they are deflected towards the Earth's poles. As they enter the Earth's atmosphere, they collide with atoms and molecules, causing them to emit light. The color of the Northern Lights depends on the type of atom or molecule that is excited.