Near the Earth's poles a magnificent spectacle of shimmering colored light can sometimes be seen --- the aurora. The aurora is called the aurora borealis (Northern lights) and the aurora austrails (Southern lights); it can appear as bright as a full moon. The aurora usually appears near the Earth's poles, and more northerly (or southerly) your latitude, the more impressive the displays you will see. The lights vary in color from whitish-green to deep red …
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…prominences, and sunspots. It is during these periods of highest solar activity that one is most likely to witness aurorae. The aurora is an ideal subject for the amateur astronomer because no telescope or any other optical apparatus is needed for observing it. It also makes a good subject for anyone who can draw or paint. This beautiful display of lights is one of the most amazing things that the night sky has to offer.