Aurora borealis

Want to see the northern lights (aurora borealis) or the southern lights (aurora australis)? Good news — The next four to five years will provide optimal conditions for some dazzling displays.

A powerful solar storm triggered stunning aurora displays around the world. Here we take a look at some of the best photographs of the recent northern lights outburst.

A huge solar filament eruption has hurled a coronal mass ejection (CME) toward Earth. The CME is expected to hit Earth on Sept. 19 and may trigger extensive auroras.

The northern lights have been seen high in the Arctic Circle, indicating the start of the aurora season, which will become more apparent as we approach solar maximum.

Scientists have observed an aurora glimmering in infrared light, created by the interaction of energetic cosmic particles and carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere.

Dazzling aurora displays — triggered by a severe solar storm — have been seen around the world. We take a look at some of the best photos here.

A mystifying swirl of light recently appeared in the night sky above Alaska, briefly outshining a vibrant auroral display.

The STEVE phenomenon was spotted across the U.S. and in parts of the U.K. after the most powerful solar storm to hit Earth for six years smashed into our planet.

A surprise solar storm supercharged auroras across the U.S. and Europe last night (March 23), with sightings of the colorful displays reported from as far south as New Mexico and Arizona.

A 'hole' in the sun's upper atmosphere may soon generate another geomagnetic storm here on Earth, creating auroras in places farther from the poles than usual.