Glows of various kinds are seen in the sky. Some, such as rainbows and haloes, are purely meteorological, while others, notably the Zodiacal Light, are purely astronomical. Of these glows, much the most famous – and the most spectacular – are the auroræ, northern and southern.

AURORÆ

Auroræ or polar lights (Aurora Borealis in the northern hemisphere, Aurora Australis in the southern) must have been observed from early times, since they are often strikingly brilliant. The Northern and Southern Lights are of the same type, but obviously the northern displays arc better known, because the Southern Lights are not well seen from inhabited countries. They are sometimes visible from the southern parts of South America and New Zealand and occasionally from South Africa, but most of the displays over the ages must have been enjoyed only by penguins.

Legends and folklore

Auroræ have a major rôle in folklore, particularly of northern peoples. Here is a description given by the Inuit of the Hudson's Bay: