By NASA March 17, 2024This captivating picture of the aurora borealis in Donnelly Creek, Alaska, highlights the mesmerizing phenomenon of the northern lights. Credit: Sebastian SaarloosThis stunning image of the stunning thumbs-ups of the aurora borealis was caught on March 17, 2015, around 5:30 a.m. EDT in Donnelly Creek, Alaska.The aurora borealis and aurora australis, frequently called the southern lights and northern lights, are common events at high northern and southern latitudes, less frequent at mid-latitudes, and seldom seen near the equator.These vibrant ribbons of light are the noticeable manifestation of the solar wind– the flow of charged particles from the Sun– engaging with the Earths magnetosphere. Strong geomagnetic storms stimulate our atmosphere and light up the night sky, creating auroras.See how you can assist track auroras all over the world with the Aurorasaurus project.