How does the aurora borealis occurs?

The aurora borealis, or northern lights, occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere. These particles collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen, exciting them and causing them to emit light. This natural phenomenon typically occurs near the polar regions and can display vibrant colors such as green, pink, and purple, depending on the type of gas involved and the altitude of the collisions. The best displays are often seen during periods of heightened solar activity.