Aurora
Articles and guides on the phenomenon known as aurora

Can't see the aurora? You can detect it with a homemade magnetometer
Follow our guide to create your own record of space weather and produce an audio recording of it. Written by Stuart Green

6 ways to successfully predict an aurora display
Top tips an online resources for taking the guesswork out of catching the amazing natural spectacle.

Here's to see the aurora from the UK
Everything you need to know about seeing the aurora in the UK from northern lights hotspots such as Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.
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Aurora activity could continue on Monday night, with displays possible in UK, North America and Australia

Green aurora will greet future Mars astronauts. NASA rover makes historic detection from the Martian surface

NASA's EZIE mission

Earth's aurora pales in comparison to Jupiter's. Webb has given scientists a front-row seat (images and video)
James Webb Space Telescope is helping scientists uncover the secrets of Jupiter's aurora.

Did aurora play a part in the sinking of the Titanic?
Could the Northern Lights - the aurora - be partly responsible for the sinking of RMS Titanic? Studies say a solar storm may have affected the ship’s equipment.

Webb detects aurora on Neptune

Should you go on an aurora cruise?

Photographer captures stunning image of the Northern Lights over the US Capitol

October 2024 aurora from space

Aurora | Images of spectacular October 2024 display

Aurora: the science of the Northern Lights, and how to see them
A guide to the aurora borealis: what it is, what causes its green and pink glow, and the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.

Solar storm erupts on Mars: aurora and radiation would have hit astronauts with the power of 30 chest x-rays

That sunspot that caused the 10 May aurora display? It's back, firing off strong solar flares and is not alone
We could be in for another weekend of aurora activity as the same sunspot region releases another strong flare.

Northern Lights from space
The May 2024 Northern Lights aurora display was captured stretching across the USA from space by a NASA Earth-orbiting satellite.

Aurora and the solar maximum - why now is such a good time to see the Northern Lights

On Friday night the sky danced, and we'll be talking about it for years to come. The great aurora of 10 May 2024

Bands, rays and arcs of green and purple. This is what causes the different shapes and colours of the aurora
The shifting face of Earth’s cosmic light show is miraculous to see. Melanie Windridge explains the science behind the aurora.

A brief history of aurora science
Paul Sutherland tracks the study of the phenomenon known as the aurora.

Image processing | How to create an aurora panorama
Take your aurora astrophotography to the next level by creating a beautiful panorama showing off its colourful wisps.

Capture the colours, swirls and wisps of the Northern Lights with our guide on how to photograph the aurora
Want to take impressive aurora photographs? Even beginners can successfully capture the Northern Lights with these simple tips.

What causes the aurora?
The aurorae are as beautiful as they are mysterious. What do we know about the creation of these ever-changing light shows?