In a major step forward in understanding space weather, researchers at the University of New Hampshire have performed an unprecedented artificial intelligence analysis of the aurora borealis. The team processed an impressive array of more than 706 million images of the night sky collected during 14 years of observations.
The project is based on data from NASA's THEMIS program, which continuously recorded the night sky every three seconds from 23 to 2008 at 2022 observation stations across North America, creating one of the largest archives of aurora observations.
The artificial intelligence system developed by the researchers is able to automatically classify images into six different categories: arc, diffuse glow, discrete glow, cloudiness, moonlight and clear sky. Such detailed categorization allows scientists to better understand the various manifestations of the aurora borealis and their relationship to space weather.
According to study co-author Jeremiah Johnson, it was the sheer volume of data that previously limited its effective use. The use of AI has overcome this limitation, opening up new possibilities for scientific analysis.

The importance of this study goes far beyond the aesthetic fascination with the northern lights. This natural phenomenon serves as an important indicator of space weather, arising as a result of the interaction of charged particles of the solar wind with the Earth's magnetosphere. Strong geomagnetic storms can seriously affect the operation of satellites, disrupt communication and navigation systems, and threaten the stability of electrical networks.
The created database will become a powerful tool for scientists investigating the characteristics of auroras and their connection with solar activity. This will make it possible to develop more accurate forecasting models of geomagnetic storms and take timely measures to protect critical technological infrastructure from their impact.
Thus, this study demonstrates how modern artificial intelligence technologies can help solve complex scientific problems and protect our technological civilization from space threats.