Aurorae: The Northern and Southern Lights

What are Aurorae?

Aurorae, also known as the northern or southern lights, are natural light displays that occur near the Earth's magnetic poles. They are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's magnetic field.

How to See Aurorae

Aurorae are most visible at high latitudes, within a radius of about 66.5 degrees north or south of the equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, this region is known as the auroral oval, and in the Southern Hemisphere, it is known as the Antarctic Circle.

The best time to see aurorae is during the winter months when the nights are longer and the skies are darker. However, aurorae can be seen throughout the year, especially during periods of high solar activity.

Types of Aurorae

There are two main types of aurorae:

• Aurora borealis, or the northern lights, occurs near the North Pole.
• Aurora australis, or the southern lights, occurs near the South Pole.