Chicago, IL – Families across the Lower 48 states were treated to a rare and spectacular display of the northern lights last night, with shimmering bands of green, pink, and purple light visible from coast to coast. The dazzling sky show had children—and plenty of adults—asking the same question: What exactly are the northern lights?
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, happen when tiny particles from the sun, called solar wind, travel through space and hit Earth’s atmosphere. When those charged particles collide with gases high above our planet, they create beautiful glowing colors that ripple across the sky—almost like the Earth’s own light show.
The colors depend on how high the lights appear. Green is most common, while reds, pinks, and purples show up higher in the atmosphere. These glowing waves are usually seen near the North Pole, in places like Alaska, Canada, and Iceland—but strong solar storms can push them much farther south, as happened last night.
Scientists explain that these displays are more frequent when the sun is active. The sun goes through an 11-year cycle of activity, and we’re currently near the peak, meaning more auroras could appear over the next year.
If your child asks how they can see them again, tell them to look for a clear, dark sky far from city lights—and to be patient. The best times are often just before or after midnight, when the sky is darkest and the colors shine brightest.
Last night’s rare event gave millions a chance to look up in awe—and reminded families everywhere that science and wonder often go hand in hand.
