What is the natural light display in the sky resulting from solar wind collisions with the atmosphere called?

The natural light display in the sky that results from solar wind collisions with the Earth's atmosphere is commonly known as the Aurora Borealis, specifically when it occurs in the Northern Hemisphere. This phenomenon manifests as vibrant colors and patterns, predominantly green, red, blue, and violet, seen in high latitude regions.

The term "Aurora Borealis" directly refers to this stunning spectacle over the northern latitudes, specifically capturing the intense interaction between charged particles from the sun and gases in the Earth's atmosphere. When solar winds collide with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere, these interactions produce light, creating the mesmerizing displays we associate with auroras.

In contrast, the term "Aurora Australis" is used to describe the equivalent phenomenon in the Southern Hemisphere, while "Northern glare" is not a recognized scientific term associated with this event. "Aurora lights" is a general term that could apply to both variations but is less specific than "Aurora Borealis." Thus, the accurate name for the display in the Northern Hemisphere is indeed the Aurora Borealis.