For those lucky enough to have been able to experience it, an aurora is an incredible sight.

But year 12 student Hajara wanted to know what was happening behind the scenes to cause these gorgeous hues. In this episode of Podcast Next Gen, she investigates how it occurs, where the colours come from, and exactly when and where you can find the auroras.

Podcast Next Gen is a collaboration between Cosmos magazine and the National Youth Science Forum. The reporters are year 12 students from across Australia – the next generation of scientists, science journalists and podcasters.

These ‘shortcast’ episodes have been written and recorded by the students, giving them the opportunity to work with real science journalists and editors to make their science concept come to life.