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What are the Northern Lights, How do they Work, and How to Celebrate Them

The aurora borealis is science in motion! Caused by solar particles colliding with Earth’s atmosphere, this natural light show is a real-time reminder of our planet’s connection to the sun. This year, as Aurora, Colorado hosts the Aurora Borealis Festival, we invite you to rediscover the magic and luminous beauty lighting up our community.

Aurora, Colorado, Meets Aurora Borealis

Our vibrant city of Aurora shares a name with this spectacular sky show, making it the perfect place to pay tribute to the awe-inspiring beauty of the auroras.

At the annual Aurora Borealis Festival, we recreate the wonder of the Northern Lights with stunning light displays, immersive experiences, and hands-on science activities for all ages. It’s your chance to learn, be inspired, and capture magical moments!

Why You Can’t Miss the Aurora Borealis Festival

Join us for an evening where science meets celebration! Here’s just a few things of what you can look forward to: 

  • Dazzling light installations inspired by the real Northern Lights. 
  • Live entertainment
  • Global Gift Bazaar
  • Flavors of Aurora Food Court
  • VIP Lounge
  • Illuminated Installations
  • Silent Disco

Don’t just dream about the auroras, experience their magic in Colorado! Mark your calendar and get ready to be transported to the northern skies, right in your own backyard. We can’t wait to light up the night with you at the Aurora Borealis Festival! Buy your tickets here.

Learn more about the Aurora Borealis Festival by reading our guide.

The Science Behind the Glow

At their core, the northern lights are a cosmic dance between Earth and Sun. Here's how they work:

1. Sun Sends Out Solar Wind

The sun always sends out a stream of tiny charged particles called the solar wind. Sometimes, big solar storms send even more of these particles flying through space. When these energetic particles reach Earth, they usually bounce off our atmosphere. But Earth’s magnetic field pulls them in closer near the North and South Poles.

2. Earth’s Magnetic Field Defends

Earth’s magnetic field usually shields us from this solar onslaught. But near the poles, the magnetic field lines curve downward and open up, allowing solar particles to enter the upper atmosphere. 

    3. Collision brings Color

    High above Earth’s surface, these solar particles bump into gases, like oxygen and nitrogen, in our atmosphere. When that happens, it creates a burst of light, like a mini-firework! The colors you see depend on the type of gas and how high the collision occurs in the atmosphere. Oxygen often produces green and red hues, while nitrogen creates blue and purple tones. That's what we call the aurora borealis in the north (and aurora australis in the south).

      How to See the Northern Lights in Colorado

      Seeing the northern lights in Colorado is rare, but not impossible! While the aurora borealis is usually only visible near the Arctic Circle, intense solar storms can occasionally push the lights far enough south to be seen from Colorado’s darker, rural areas. On those rare nights, lucky skywatchers may catch faint green or red glows on the northern horizon. 

      Best Viewing Tips:

      • Find clear skies facing the north away from city lights
      • Use the long exposure feature on your phone if the lights are faint for better viewing
      • Check space weather forecasts to see when there might be strong solar activity
      • Let your eyes adjust for 20-30 minutes. The auroras will likely be faint, so it will take time for your eyes to get used to the darkness.
      • Attend the annual Aurora Borealis Festival each fall to see them recreated in our community!