The aurora borealis (the Northern Lights) and the aurora australis (the Southern Lights) are quite the sights and even prompt travelers to seek out their beauty. The auroras surround the north and south poles and occur when highly charged electrons form solar winds dance with particles in the atmosphere, according to How Stuff Works.
According to How Stuff Works, the shifting colors depend on the gas and altitude of the meeting:
"Green - oxygen, up to 150 miles in altitude;
Red - oxygen, above 150 miles in altitude;
Blue - nitrogen, up to 60 miles in altitude;
Purple/violet - nitrogen, above 60 miles in altitude."
Aurora Borealis usually only last one to two hours, but Aurora storms can last for a few days. The Aurora was at its peak Sunday night into Monday morning and the photos are astounding.
