The phrase “Northern Lights” comes from a combination of historical naming and geographic orientation. The lights themselves are the aurora borealis, caused by charged solar particles interacting with Earth’s atmosphere near the polar regions. The term “aurora” is Latin for dawn, while “borealis” is Greek for the north or northern winds. Put together, “aurora borealis” translates roughly to “northern dawn light,” which evolved into the common English name “Northern Lights.” The Sami and other northern cultures have their own names and myths for the phenomenon as well, often tying the lights to dawn, animals, or spiritual beliefs.