Most likely a large number of students have heard of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), and know that they are a phenomenon in the sky. Although they may not have seen the Northern Lights, most have probably seen other phenomena in the sky, such as a rainbow, shooting star, or super moon. These experiences provide an opportunity for students to reflect on the awesomeness of space. The activity described in this article will show how mathematics is used by scientists to predict when the Northern Lights will occur, and should be used only after students have learned how to evaluate equations, create Venn diagrams, and calculate simple probability. These activities inform the class as a whole about the earth's place in the universe and space systems, an important scientific practice identified in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGGS Lead States 2013).