Recent increases in solar activity have led to a surge in northern lights sightings, captivating skywatchers across the northern latitudes. The Sun’s current active phase is driving more frequent and intense auroral displays, offering unprecedented opportunities for viewing this mesmerizing natural phenomenon. Causes and Mechanics of Auroras Auroras, known as the northern lights (aurora borealis) in the Northern Hemisphere and southern lights (aurora australis) in the Southern Hemisphere, occur when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere. These particles, primarily electrons and protons, are ejected from the Sun during solar events such as coronal mass ejections and solar … Continue reading Unprecedented Northern Lights Sightings in U.S., NOAA Warns, Solar Cycle Heats Up