The Aurora Borealis explained

Wayne Schlingman, PhD, director of the Arne Slettebak Planetarium at The Ohio State University, breaks down the cause of the Aurora Borealis — and how it was possible to view the light display in your own backyard.

Wayne Schlingman, PhD with text reading Aurora Borealis

In May 2024, the sky was filled with dazzling shades of green, red, and purple across common and uncommon areas worldwide. Many were surprised by the sight of the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights — it might be easy to spot in places located near the North and South Poles, but it’s uncommon in latitudes closer to the equator. So how does the Aurora Borealis form, and what led to its widespread visibility?

For this Knowledge Drop, Wayne Schlingman, PhD, director of the Arne Slettebak Planetarium at The Ohio State University, gives us all the details on the natural light display.