at 3:15 PM by Mallory Schnell

Northern Lights Put on a Show

Need some pretty pictures to get you through your hump day? Look no further. Areas in the upper-latitudes of the United States (and Europe!) viewed a beautiful display of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) Monday and Tuesday nights.

But what is the Aurora Borealis anyway? According to NOAA, “The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) are the result of electrons colliding with the upper reaches of Earth’s atmosphere.”

Geomagnetic storms allow the aurora to extend from the poles equatorward, creating a show for those lucky enough to be in the right place with the right weather conditions. Another chance to view the Northern Lights is possible for the northern latitutdes tonight.