What causes the northern lights?

The northern lights , also known as the aur ora bore alis , are caused by a combination of factors including solar activity , magnetic fields , and atmos pher ic g ases . \n \n S olar activity refers to the sun ' s activity , including sun sp ots and solar fl ares , which can release a stream of charged particles , as the solar wind . These particles can interact with the Earth ' s magnetic field , causing it to become dist urbed and allowing the charged particles to enter the Earth ' s atmosphere . \n \n The Earth ' s magnetic field is what causes the northern lights to appear in the first place . It is a complex system of magnetic lines of force that surr ounds the Earth , and it helps to protect the planet from the harm ful effects of the solar wind . When the solar wind interact s with the Earth ' s magnetic field , it can cause the charged particles to be gu ided towards the Earth ' s pol es , where they can col lide with the atoms and mole cules in the atmosphere . \n \n The atmos pher ic g ases , particularly o xygen and nit ro gen , can also play a role in the formation of the northern lights . When the charged particles col lide with the atoms and mole cules in the atmosphere , they can cause them to emit light . This is what creates the color ful displays of the northern lights that we see in the sky . \n \n Over all , the northern lights are a result of the interaction between the sun , the Earth ' s magnetic field , and the atmos pher ic g ases . </s>