Aurora Chasers in Canada Discover a New Type of Northern Lights Dubbed ‘Steve’

Northern lights at Hillesoy Island, Norway. Amateur scientists in Canada have helped researchers discover a new type of northern lights, dubbed “Steve.” Frank Olsen/Public domain

CALGARY—Amateur scientists in Canada have helped researchers discover a new type of northern lights.

The glowing ribbon of purple—and sometimes green—light that runs east-west in the night sky has been observed and photographed by aurora borealis chasers for years.