The Inuit believed the Northern Lights were spirits playing ball with a walrus skull. They saw these lights as a connection between the earthly and the spiritual realms.
In Norse mythology, the Northern Lights were thought to be reflections from the shields of the Valkyries, the warrior maidens serving Odin.
In medieval Europe, the Aurora was often seen as an omen. Bright displays were interpreted as signs of impending war or natural disasters, influencing the beliefs and actions of many.
Scientific knowledge of the Northern Lights began in the 17th century. Galileo Galilei studied the phenomena, which led to contemporary knowledge of solar wind and magnetic fields.
Native American tribes, such as the Cree, believed the lights were the spirits of ancestors dancing in the sky. They saw the Aurora as a spiritual guide and protector.
In Japan, it's believed that children conceived under the Northern Lights will be blessed with good fortune.
Today, the Northern Lights attract tourists from around the world. Places like Norway, Canada, and Alaska offer prime viewing spots, blending scientific curiosity with the magic of ancient myths.