'Time to explore auroras deeply': NASA to send rockets directly into flickering Northern Lights – here's why

Auroras are ribbons of light in stunning colour displays. (Image: AI Generated)

NASA is gearing up to explore the Northern Lights. The project aims to understand what makes auroras move in unique patterns. Rockets will launch this week from Alaska, offering a closer look at these mesmerising phenomena.

Exploring auroras: Unique like fingerprints
Auroras are ribbons of light in stunning colour displays. Each aurora is unique, much like a snowflake or fingerprint. Scientists attribute auroras to solar flares interacting with Earth’s magnetic field. However, the cause of their different movements remains unclear.

NASA has identified two types of auroras—fast-pulsating and flickering. Pulsating auroras flash on and off within seconds. Flickering auroras, however, pulse even faster, up to 15 times a second. Scientists want to investigate why auroras form "holes" or dark patches.

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NASA’s dual-mission approach
Two missions are being launched from Alaska’s Poker Flat Research Range. The first mission, "Ground Imaging to Rocket Investigation of Auroral Fast Features" (GIRAFF), focuses on pulsating and flickering auroras. Rockets will collect data on electron collisions in Earth’s magnetosphere.

The second mission targets auroral "holes" with its own unique focus. Known as the Black and Diffuse Aurora Science Surveyor, this project will explore these unusual dark patches. NASA teams will monitor the auroras with ground cameras in Venetie, Alaska, 130 miles away.

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Why this study matters
Understanding auroras can deepen our knowledge of Earth’s magnetosphere. By studying electron interactions, NASA hopes to uncover the factors shaping auroral behaviour. Aristotle first described auroras scientifically in the fourth century. The term "Aurora Borealis" was later popularised by Galileo.

NASA’s launch timing depends on favourable wind conditions. With cameras and instruments ready, this mission promises to illuminate auroral mysteries.