What Is an Aurora?

An aurora looks like a beautiful display of lights in the sky. We can also see auroras from space! The name of an aurora changes depending on its location. If you’re in the northern hemisphere, it is called aurora borealis, or northern lights, and if you’re in the southern hemisphere, then it is called aurora australis, or southern lights.
So, what causes these beautiful displays of lights anyway? And how exactly does it work? Watch the video to find out!
Learn more about auroras at
spaceplace.nasa.gov/aurora/en/
Find more fun videos, games, and articles about space and Earth science at spaceplace.nasa.gov/