From the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to the Poker Flat Research Range near Fairbanks, Alaska, scientists this week are working to unravel the mystery behind bursts of energetic particles that can turn a so-so display of northern lights into a breathtaking show.

These particles come from the sun and build up within Earth's magnetic field. Then, something snaps and they hurtle toward Earth's poles. The mystery: What triggers the sudden release?

As the particles ? electrons ? speed toward their shimmering finale, they can wreak havoc on satellites, disrupt radio communications, and trigger blackouts. At high latitudes, these "substorms" can speed corrosion in oil pipelines and befuddle sensors that monitor a pipeline's oil flow and corrosion rates.