# aurora

/ɝˈɔɹə/ (US) · /ɐɹˈɔːɹɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aurora
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. polar lights

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a natural show of coloured lights in the sky, usually seen near the North or South Pole.

For teachers: a luminous atmospheric phenomenon caused by the interaction of solar wind with the Earth's magnetic field, appearing as curtains of light in polar regions.

- We travelled to Iceland in winter specifically to see the green aurora in the night sky.
- The intensity of the aurora fluctuates according to solar activity, often resulting in spectacular displays of shifting green and violet light across the high-latitude sky.

Usage: Usually followed by 'borealis' for the north or 'australis' for the south.

### 2. the dawn

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the first light of the day in the morning.

For teachers: the dawn or the first appearance of light in the morning sky.

- The poet wrote about the pink aurora rising over the quiet hills.
- As the aurora began to tint the eastern horizon, the camp stirred into life for the final day of the expedition.

Teaching tip: This sense is rare in modern conversation; learners should use 'dawn' or 'sunrise' for everyday contexts.

### 3. Roman goddess

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

the Roman goddess of the dawn.

For teachers: the personification of the dawn in Roman mythology, equivalent to the Greek goddess Eos.

- In the old painting, Aurora is shown bringing the light of a new day.
- Classical poets often invoked Aurora as the herald of the sun, depicting her as a goddess who opens the gates of the east with rosy fingers.

## Examples

- The aurora painted the night sky with green light.
- Travelers often visit Iceland in the winter specifically to witness the aurora dancing above the horizon.
- While the aurora is a staple of high-latitude folklore, its scientific cause lies in the collision of solar wind with atmospheric gases, creating a luminous display of kinetic energy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.