Aurora
Articles and guides on the phenomenon known as aurora
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?
6 ways to successfully predict an aurora display
Top tips an online resources for taking the guesswork out of catching the amazing natural spectacle.
Bepi Colombo spacecraft sees electron rain generate x-ray aurora on Mercury
Interactions between solar wind and Mercury revealed during Bepi Colombo's close flyby.
What it's like seeing the aurora for the first time
What's it like seeing the Northern Lights? The Sky at Night's Maggie Aderin-Pocock describes her experience.
Finding poetry in the Northern Lights
Aurora in art and literature. A look at the verses that captured the sky-spectacle down the ages.
Aurora alert on 13 March leads to stunning UK Northern Lights display
Aurora chasers in the UK were treated to a wonderful display on 13 March 2022.
What's behind increased aurora displays in the UK?
Increased solar activity has seen more displays of the Northern Lights further south.
Gallery | Aurora
Images of the Northern Lights are a sight to behold, but what causes the aurora? Discover the science and beautiful images of Earth's spectacular light show.
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.
See the Northern Lights from home with Armchair Aurora
Join Armchair Aurora for a live, online event on the science of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your home.
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.
How to see the aurora in 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.
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.
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.
How Cluster is uncovering the secrets of the aurora
The Cluster II spacecraft have made fascinating discoveries about aurora displays, including mysterious ‘black aurora’.
Image processing | How to create balanced auroral landscapes
James Woodend reveals how to create a beautiful aurora landscape astrophoto.
Recording the sound of the aurora borealis
The strange noises of the aurora - long described in Sami folklore - can be recorded by scientists.
What causes the Northern Lights?
The Sky at Night's Lucie Green looks at the solar science driving auroral displays.
Looking for the Northern Lights: how to find the aurora by yourself
How to catch the aurora without having to sign up for a package holiday.
What do aurorae look like on other planets?
Beyond Earth, planets throughout the Solar System boast beautiful, glowing aurorae.
A traveller's guide to aurora hunting
Seasoned aurora hunter and author Melanie Windridge travels to Canada in search of the Northern Lights, and reveals her top tips for planning your own trip.
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