Spanswick says the white patch has been referenced in scientific ... certainly a heat source" and says it suggests that the aurora borealis are more complex than previously thought.

"You'd see this structured—almost like a patch—grey-toned or white toned-emission connected to the aurora," said researcher Emma Spanswick.

From planets and constellations, to eclipses and the Aurora Borealis, here's what to look for in the sky this spring ...

NASA The northern lights—also known as the aurora borealis—form when particles from the solar wind ecstasy atoms in the Earth's upper atmosphere, causing them to glow. Aurorae manifest as ...

The aurora borealis is back and is expected to be on display through the weekend. The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration has predicted the states with the best views include several in ...

Although less likely, viewers in South Dakota, Michigan, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine may also see the aurora. The sun sends more than heat and light to Earth — it sends energy ...

The aurora borealis is on the bucket list of photographers ... This is an unprocessed, lossless image file format that allows white balance (and a variety of other camera settings) to be changed ...

The sun is at the peak of its 11-year cycle. That means an uptick in solar flares will lead to more chances to see the northern lights over the next couple of years.

As the solar activity that causes the aurora borealis is expected to reach the peak of its 11-year cycle in the next year, opportunities to see it are booming via cruises, train trips and tours.

Astronomers await a rare cosmic event as T Coronae Borealis, the Blaze Star, prepares to erupt in a thermonuclear explosion, making it briefly visible in the night sky.