During fall and winter in the northernmost parts of North America, Europe, and Asia the night sky comes alive with dancing soft green, blue, or red curtain-like lights. Though these lights, called aurora borealis (or the northern lights), are best viewed through naked eyes many photographers are able to capture their brilliance by using long exposure settings or applications so that others can experience the beauty of aurora. Find out why aurora occurs, and see more beautiful photographs, at blog.instagram.com. Featured photo by @jonasbendiksen.