The Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Northern Lights, is poised to become even more spectacular over the next couple of years. According to space weather physicists, this intensification is due to the sun entering its "last gasp" phase of solar activity. Solar activity operates on an 11-year cycle, reaching its peak at the solar maximum before gradually declining. However, it's during this late-cycle phase that some of the most impressive auroral displays can occur.