The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are some of the most enchanting phenomena visible in Earth’s sky. People have journeyed thousands of miles, braved bitterly cold winters, and stood in awe under starry firmaments in hopes of glimpsing these ghostly, dancing illuminations. Whether you’ve encountered these lights in person or have only admired them in photographsand documentaries, there’s a whole world of science, legend, geography, and cultural meaning hidden behind these shimmering curtains of color. Below, we’ll dive deep into some fun and fascinating facts about the northern lights, discuss how and when to see them, and even explore tips for capturing them on camera.