northern lights
Latest about northern lights

Auroras expected tonight in New York, Washington and Wisconsin as solar storm barrels toward Earth
By Brandon Specktor published
A moderate solar storm is headed for Earth on September 27, 2021, with auroras predicted to light up the sky much further south than usual.

Mystery of Jupiter's powerful X-ray auroras finally solved
By Charles Q. Choi published
Mysterious flares of X-rays from Jupiter's auroras suggest that the giant planet's "northern lights" may possess unexpected similarities with those of Earth, a new study finds.

Physicists trap ultracold plasma in a magnetic bottle for the 1st time
By Ben Turner published
Scientists want to use it to learn more about the sun and nuclear fusion.

How to watch the northern lights across far northern US tonight
By Stephanie Pappas published
The forecast isn't certain, but some in the U.S. might get a rare glance at the aurora.

Weird green glow spotted in atmosphere of Mars
By Mike Wall published
Europe's Trace Gas Orbiter spotted an emerald glow in Mars' wispy atmosphere, marking the first time the phenomenon has been spotted on a world beyond Earth.

Violent Solar Storms Are Happening Closer to Earth Than Anyone Thought Was Possible
By Yasemin Saplakoglu published
The spectacular solar storms that paint the polar skies in beautiful greens and pinks have a darker side

What is the ionosphere? (And who is Steve?)
By Nicoletta Lanese published
A concentration of plasma in the Earth's atmosphere, called the ionosphere, interacts with solar winds, ultraviolet radiation and radio waves.

High-Altitude Auroras Create 'Speed Bumps' for Satellites
By Mike Wall published
They help move pockets of air up where some spacecraft roam.
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.