In Photos: A Virtual Voyage to Antarctica

Polar lights (aurora borealis/aurora australis) form when charged particles emitted from the sun hit Earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules in our atmosphere. Observing them requires perfectly dark skies without light pollution and a clear, undisturbed atmosphere. This makes the South Pole in Antarctica an excellent place for experiments observing and characterizing polar lights.

Dr. Daniel Michalik / National Science Foundation

Glaciers and cliffs are reflected in the waters of the Lemaire Channel near Booth Island.

Ozge Elif Kizil / Anadolu Agency / Getty