Aurora borealis (northern lights)

The term ‘aurora borealis’, more commonly known as the northern lights, refers to aurorae which are visible from the northern hemisphere. They typically occur at a latitude of 60-70 degrees, but they have been reported as far south as Florida during periods of extreme solar activity.

Alaskan Aurora
Alaskan Aurora
Credit: J. Curtis (U. Alaska Fairbanks)


Study Astronomy Online at Swinburne University
All material is © Swinburne University of Technology except where indicated.