Aurora

An aurora (plural aurorae/auroras) is an electro-static phenomenon,

characterised by a bright glow and caused by the collision of charged
particles in the magnetosphere with atoms in the Earths upper
atmosphere.
Ultimately, the source lies in the solar wind, a fast-moving stream of
particles constantly flowing from the Sun that carries the Suns magnetic
field out into space. The solar wind, typically moving at 250 miles (400
kilometers) per second, flows past Earths magnetic field and molds it into
an elongated bubble or cavity, compressing its sunward side and
stretching its night side far beyond the Moons orbit. Under certain
conditions, the solar winds magnetic field can merge with Earths,
creating electrical currents that drive protons and electrons into the polar
atmosphere. Powerful events occurring on the Sun can drive enormous
changes in the solar wind, increasing both its speed and density and
enhancing its effect on Earth.
An aurora is usually observed in the night sky, particularly in the polar
zone. For this latter reason, some scientists call it a polar aurora or
aurora polaris.
Aurora Coloured light in the night sky near the Earths magnetic poles,
called aurora borealis northern lights in the northern hemisphere and
aurora australis southern lights in the southern hemisphere.