Google Maps Lets Users Explore the Aurora Borealis

Google lets users see the Aurora Borealis from their computer.

— -- Check out those breathtaking northern lights!

While the virtual experience likely pales in comparison to seeing the colorful lights in person, people viewing at home have the added bonus of not needing to suit up in winter gear to battle the arctic cold.

The aurora borealis puts on a show thanks to charged particles from the sun interacting with molecules in earth. It's only visible at certain latitudes and times of year, making it a rare sight for most of the seven billion people on the planet.