The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, happen when charged particles from the Sun interact with the Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field. When these solar particles—primarily electrons and protons—collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, they transfer energy to those gas atoms and molecules. As the atoms return to their normal energy states, they emit light, creating the colorful, shimmering curtains you see in the night sky. The Earth's magnetic field channels most of these particles toward the polar regions, which is why auroras are most visible near the north and south magnetic poles. The colors arise from different gases (for example, oxygen and nitrogen) and the altitude at which the collisions occur.