How is the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) formed?

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, offer an entrancing, dramatic, magical display that fascinates all who see it — but just what causes this ... and strong magnetic fields, and each have auroras — although these auroras are a little different from Earth's, given they are formed under different conditions. read more

How the Aurora Borealis Form. It begins with a solar flare. The aurora borealis (northern lights) form when charged particles emitted from the sun during a solar flare penetrate the earth's magnetic shield and collide with atoms and molecules in our atmosphere. read more

The aurora borealis (northern lights) form when charged particles emitted from the sun during a solar flare penetrate the earth's magnetic shield and collide with atoms and molecules in our atmosphere. read more

When to see the lights. The northern lights are always present, but winter is usually the best time to see them, due to lower levels of light pollution and the clear, crisp air. September, October, March and April are some of the best months to view the aurora borealis. read more