GRAND RAPIDS — The awe-inspiring Northern lights displays that captivated people across the United States this past weekend originate a long way from Earth's atmosphere.
KAXE contributor Bob "Tornado Bob" Conzemius is a meteorologist and aurora borealis enthusiast. He joined the KAXE Morning Show on Tuesday, May 14, to explain the science behind the lights. And it all starts with the sun — a giant fusion reactor, Bob said.
“[The sun is] fusing hydrogen into helium and in the process, it’s very hot in its surface,” Bob said. “The sun has what we call plasma, and the plasma is highly radiated.”
The gaseous material leaves the sun's surface, and then various types of solar wind, traveling at 200 miles per second, become a highly ionized gas. When that gas reaches the earth, northern lights occur — the result of highly charged particles that become hooked into our magnetic field.
Depending on the particle, different colors might appear in the aurora. The proliferation of cellphone cameras capable of capturing vivid color may be confusing some people who expect to see in the sky what they see in photos.
"Eyes don’t have the color sensitivity at that light intensity," Bob said. Listen to the full conversation above to hear more.
See Bob’s aurora borealis photos here. Did you see the northern lights? Tell us about it!
-
Plus: Demolition work is underway to make room for new construction in Bemidji's blighted rail corridor; Anderson Brothers Construction in Brainerd can once again bid on government contracts; and Essentia Health St. Joseph's will host its annual Tree of Life memorial service on Dec. 16. -
Megan Buffington/KAXECounties, cities and school districts host these meetings at the end of each year, after proposed property tax statements are sent out with tax estimates based on the proposed levies. -
Contributed/Lake of the Woods County Sheriff's OfficeThe man reported being surrounded by 400 feet of open water while standing on thin ice with a portable fish house. -
Officials with the state's Environmental Quality Board heard more on how data center development could impact the state's water resources. -
Contributed/St. Louis CountyRyan Moller allegedly shot his father in the head in Fayal Township after an argument. He was charged with attempted murder and assault Dec. 5, 2025. -
Contributed/Any Lane via PexelsIt's time to start thinking about gift-giving as the holidays approach. What are some things that you like to make to give to others? -
Plus: A Bemidji forum explores the affordability of child care, health care and more for families, along with potential legislative fixes.
-
Larissa Donovan/KAXEChild care providers, local officials and families discussed the high costs of child care and the low wages of child care workers during the Bemidji Affordability Forum on Dec. 3, 2025. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe North Central Research and Outreach Center helped test our state fruit for winter hardiness, a step in its eventual release as the University of Minnesota's first apple variety. -
Contributed/Kate Batten via WTIPFinancial records showed Bryce James Campbell’s companies near-due and past-due business debts amounted to more than $14 million when the fire destroyed the beloved North Shore resort.
