During long winter nights, the light of the aurora borealis appears over the sparcely populated north. Little is known, however, about these dazzling displays of ghostly light and movement. The author discusses the history, mythology, and science behind auroras. Demonstrating the influence of the sun in the aurora's creation, he also compares the northern lights with phenomena such as lightning and rainbows. Lavishly illustrated with numerous color and black and white pictures, Aurora offers a comprehensive understanding of a mysterious dynamic that has fascinated and even alarmed northern communities through the ages.