What Pictures of the Northern Lights Last Night Show
Pictures of the northern lights last night typically display green and sometimes red or purple curtains of light across dark skies. These images are captured by photographers, skywatchers, and automated cameras in high-latitude regions where aurora activity is common.
Why the Northern Lights Appear
The northern lights are caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere. This collision excites gases, producing glowing light that forms the shapes seen in aurora photographs.
Where and When to View Recent Auroras
Recent aurora pictures often come from areas near the Arctic, including northern Scandinavia, Canada, Alaska, and Iceland. Space weather agencies monitor geomagnetic activity and issue alerts when strong displays are likely. For current conditions and forecasts, see NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
