A common name for the Northern Lights is the Aurora Borealis. This natural light display occurs in polar regions and is primarily caused by the interaction of solar particles with the Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere. When charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere, they create beautiful, vibrant colors, typically greens, pinks, and purples, which dance across the night sky. The Southern Hemisphere counterpart is known as the Aurora Australis. The Northern Lights have fascinated people for centuries and are often associated with myths and legends in various cultures.