🌌 Aurora & Northern Lights
Learn the science behind the Northern Lights, how auroras form, why they change colors, and how to forecast when they may be visible.
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0:30What Causes Auroras?
Charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth's upper atmosphere, exciting oxygen and nitrogen atoms that release the shimmering green and purple light of the aurora.
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0:10What Causes the Northern Lights?
How charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth's atmosphere to create the aurora borealis.
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Aurora Views from the ISS: November 2025 Geomagnetic Storm
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station capture the aurora during the November 11-13, 2025 geomagnetic storm, following an X5.1 solar flare.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Kp level do I need to see the aurora?
Generally Kp 5 or higher (a G1 storm) for far-northern latitudes — see our Kp Index guide for how this scales with your location.
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