LFajardo
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In simplified terms: The surface of the sun is made up of charged, fast-moving particles. Moving charges produce magnetic fields. The surface is a sea of magnetic storms. Once in a while a storm ejects a burst of particles (ions) in our direction.
Fortunately, the earth's magnetic field deflects most of the burst of ions. [Otherwise, no life on earth.  ] But around the magnetic poles, some of the ions spiral in - knocking electrons out of the gases in the upper atmosphere. The electrons quickly recombine with the gases, emitting light.
The popping noise is akin to electronic static. Or micro-miniature burst of lightening.
For, the worry worts in the crowd: In the 1850's there was a massive burst (coronal mass ejection) that the earth's magnetic field could not deflect. It wiped out most of the telegraph service. The next one this size, will destroy satellites and wireless telecommunication. Dont worry - just keep some uv-5000000 suntan lotion on hand.
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