Fireworks are a wonderful spectacle on their own, but in comparison to nature's work of art, they are nothing. One of the most amazing and beautiful phenomenon is the aurora borealis and the aurora australis. When they appear in the sky, they are generally accompanied by a cracking sound.

The aurora is an atmospheric phenomenon that appears most often above 60° North or South latitude, but also in other parts of the world like Canada, Northern Scotland, Norway and Sweden. Depending on where it appears, it is named either aurora borealis (northern lights) or aurora australis (southern lights). Together they are called aurora polaris or the polar lights.

Research studies made during and after the 1957 and 1958 International Geophysical Year showed that the auroral glow is triggered off when  the solar wind carries an inflow of high-energy atomic particles. These particles are emitted from sunspots, which are minute electrifying particles that burst out from the sun's interior. This release sends electrons and protons out and they penetrate the magnetosphere of the earth and enter the lower Van Allen radiation belt thus overloading it. This excess number of electrons and protons are discharged into the atmosphere over an area that centers on the north and south

magnetic poles, but extends about 20° apart from them. These particles collide against gas molecules present in the atmosphere. The molecules get extra energy and become excited. Electromagnetic radiation is then given off by these particles, which is within the visible portion of the light spectrum. This is why we are able to see the lights.

The aurora is described as being made up of rapidly shifting patches and dancing columns of light of various hues. Large, extensive auroral displays usually interfere with radio, telephone, and telegraph transmission. The duration of the maximum and minimum intensity of normal aurora is almost exactly opposite that of the sunspot cycle, which is an 11-year cycle; therefore the intensity of the aurora is normally low whenever the sun is very active. When the sunspot cycle is at its peak, the sun emits more ultraviolet radiation than normal. This ultraviolet radiation alters the earth's magnetosphere,  making it more resistant to the influx of particles from the sunspots. The radiation belt then does not overload as easily and the aurora is less intense.

But it has also been seen that huge displays seen much beyond the earth's poles do however, happen while the sun is very active. Although we may try to capture the beauty on canvas or try to use

words to describe the Aurora, it is a difficult task. So look out for more pictures of the Aurora, since it is definitely worth knowing about it!