When is an aurora not an aurora? Phenomena called 'Steve' and 'picket fence' are masquerading as auroras

The shimmering green, red and purple curtains of the northern and southern lights—the auroras—may be the best-known phenomena lighting up the nighttime sky, but the most mysterious are the mauve and white streaks called Steve and their frequent companion, a glowing green "picket fence."

Frontiers Unsolved problems in Strong Thermal Emission Velocity

Auroras, Spaceweather.com

An observation of the subauroral arc (purple) known as STEVE

Citizen scientists help reveal new features of the mysterious

Scientists explain mysterious, celestial STEVE, Earth

Rockets Could Reveal STEVE Is Not A Real Aurora

Auroras, Spaceweather.com

An observation of the subauroral arc (purple) known as STEVE

Astro Bob: Aurora-like STEVE spins off mysterious spheres of light

Not all pretty lights in the sky are auroras. Some are Steve and

Sub‐Auroral Green STEVE Arcs – Evidence for Low Energy Excitation

Amazing lightning photo

What Is STEVE? The Mysterious Purple Auroral Phenomenon Explained

How to find STEVE, the purple streak that looks like an aurora but