Parts of the United States and Canada could see the results of the latest solar storm over the next few days. But what exactly are auroras?

Sky watchers across New England and much of the United States were treated to a rare show of the northern lights Tuesday night with vaulting aurora illuminating skies from Boston to Boise.

Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into Canada, the U.S. and Europe because the sun is going through a major facelift. Every 11 years, its poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way.