Northern lights (aurora borealis): what they are and how to see them

Northern lights above mountains and water below. The sky is colored by colorful ribbons of light dancing along, they are mainly green with some purple and red on the left.

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are mesmerizing ribbons of light that have fascinated humanity for thousands of years. Despite their serene beauty, this breathtaking display results from a highly energetic and turbulent process.

The aurora forms when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth's upper atmosphere at incredible speeds — up to 45 million mph (72 million kph). Thankfully, our planet's magnetic field acts as a protective shield, preventing these solar particles from causing harm while creating the stunning spectacle we know as the northern lights.