Curious Kids: Why are the northern lights only spotted near the North Pole?

By Samantha Lawler, Assistant professor of astronomy, University of Regina

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. Have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Send it to CuriousKidsCanada@theconversation.com.

Why are the northern lights only spotted at areas around the poles? — Naba, 9, Oakville, Ont.

The northern lights are also called auroras, and they are regularly visible near Earth’s North and South Poles. They are a direct connection between the Earth and what’s happening on the sun.

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