Charged particles from the Sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field, producing what are collectively called the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. These particles then move towards the polar areas and hit atmospheric gases of oxygen and nitrogen. Those collisions are what airborne energy produces our beloved green, purple, pink and red lights that we can see lighting up the night sky. The northern lights This stunning natural spectacle is typically seen near the Earths magnetic poles during winter months of clear, dark nights, especially in polar areas.