What Causes the Aurora Borealis?

The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights are one of the most beautiful sights on Earth. This week they have been seen as far south as even Cambridgeshire and Shropshire. Auroras happen when the sun sends out a solar flare that is full of charged particles called ions. These ions hit Earth's magnetic field and interact with elements high up in the atmosphere. The news looks good for any keen aurora watchers as we're entering a time of high solar activity. So keep your eyes skywards, just remember not to whistle.