Auroras occur when charged particles from the Sun strike atoms in the Earth's atmosphere. The intensity of Auroral displays on Earth are directly tied to the Sun's activity, which follows an 11 year high-low cycle. Solar activity should begin to increase in 2010, with a peak expected to occur in 2012 or 2013.

Green is the most common color for the auroras. During periods of intense solar flares, the auroras display shades of red, yellow or purple.

Auroras that occur in the northern hemisphere are called Aurora Borealis, while those over the south pole are called Aurora Australis.

Due to its high northern latitude relatively close to the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks is a good location to see Auroras. These pictures were taken in November.

These amazing displays of lights in the northern skies have intrigued anybody who have been lucky enough to witness their spectacle. The lights slowly move accross the sky and change shapes. Since the old times, the northern lights were named after the Roman Goddess of dawn, Aurora.

In other cultures, Eskimo legends depict auroras as spiritual manifestations. Whatever they may be, they are just incredible to watch.

Pictures of these Auroras were taken in the Fairbanks area.

Fairbanks is notorious for its dark and gloomy winters. Tonight, it's cold as expected, with temperatures well below zero F. But, what in the world are we doing here?... It sure is peaceful and quiet late at night, and the stars are beautiful, but did I mention it is really cold?

Suddenly, the sky begins to glow from the deep winter darkness, like a huge neon light. A northern light show is about to start...

Aurora displays really do come in many shapes, but they often start as faint ribbons, gradually increasing in intensity.

At the peak of their brightness, the northern lights move visibly faster as they dance across the sky.