Many of the chemical elements were discovered as the result of observing their spectrum. Scientists have a fascination with light for many reasons, not the least of which is the information that can be gleaned fron analyzing light.

The Aurora Borealis [local], or Northern Lights, is an atmospheric phenomenon that occurs around the earth's northern magnetic pole. The aurora [local] has a glowing curtain-like shape and appears at an altitude about ten times higher than a jet aircraft flies. Auroral light [local] is produced by a high-vacuum electrical discharge. It is powered by interactions between the sun and earth. Exploratorium's explanation.