The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, are an integral part of life in the Arctic. Many nights the sky is ablaze with shimmering dancing colors that seem to take on a life of their own. I am very fortunate, in that, I work in an environment that while scientific, allows me to come in contact with this most beautiful aspect of nature. I work in a research facility that deals directly with the Aurora and it's effects. The Northern Lights are an ionospheric phenomenon that is unparalleled in nature for beauty and grace.
Auroras occur around Earth's north and south geomagnetic poles in regions known as auroral ovals.
The aurora is higher in the atmosphere than the highest jet plane flies. The lowest fringes are at least 40 miles above the Earth, while the uppermost reaches of the aurora extend 600 miles above the Earth. The space shuttle flies near 190 miles altitude. Although there are stories about the aurora seeming to reach down into the clouds or to the tops of mountains, these are either illusions or some phenomenon other than the aurora. Some people believe that the aurora makes sound that accompanies the ripples and flow of the light.