Polar Lights Explained in Pictures: Learn About Aurora Borealis and Australis

What happens when the Sun sends a stream of charged particles our way, and they collide with Earth’s magnetic field? Boom — the sky lights up with shimmering waves of green, pink, violet, and red! This glowing phenomenon is called the aurora or the polar lights, and it turns the skies near the Arctic and Antarctic into a natural wonder you’ll never forget.

While the northern and southern lights typically occur near the poles, they can sometimes be spotted in areas such as Germany, the northern U.S., or Western Australia.

Ready to chase the lights, understand their science, and even snap your own epic aurora photo? This infographic will show you everything you need to know when the sky puts on its most spectacular show.