aurora borealis

[ bawr-ee-al-is, -ey-lis, bohr- ]

noun

, Meteorology.

1. the aurora of the Northern Hemisphere.

aurora borealis

/ ˌbɔːrɪˈeɪlɪs /

noun

1. sometimes capital the aurora seen around the North Pole Also callednorthern lights

aurora borealis

1. A display of colored lights in the sky, also called northern lights, caused by the interaction of particles from the sun with the upper atmosphere near the North Pole . A similar display, called the aurora australis, occurs in the atmosphere above the South Pole.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aurora borealis¹

1621; < New Latin: northern aurora; boreal

Word History and Origins

Origin of aurora borealis¹

C17: New Latin: northern aurora

Example Sentences

We’re in a period of increased solar activity, and there was another big show last Thursday night, with aurora borealis visible as far south as Texas, San Diego, and Mazatlan.

From Slate

The lights, also known as aurora borealis, were expected to be seen only as far south as the Midlands, but the spectacle was visible from the top of the UK in the Shetland Islands down to London.

From BBC

The Met Office earlier said the lights, also known as aurora borealis, might be seen only as far south as the Midlands.

From BBC

A severe geomagnetic storm includes the potential for an aurora borealis — also known as the northern lights — visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

From Los Angeles Times

Space weather: The Aurora Borealis and much more.

From BBC