The Earth's magnetic field shields us from much of it, but particles can travel down the magnetic field lines along the north and south poles and into Earth’s atmosphere. When the particles interact with the gases in our atmosphere, they can produce light — blue and purple from nitrogen, green and red from oxygen.

They may seem elusive, but northern lights - or aurora borealis - aren't all that uncommon. But to see them, the conditions have to be just right. Clear, calm, and dark skies create the perfect backdrop for nature's greatest light show.