The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, have been observed and documented for thousands of years. It's not accurate to say they were "discovered" in a specific year.

Here's what we know:

* Ancient Observations: Historical records, cave paintings, and myths from various cultures around the world, particularly in the Arctic regions, indicate observations of the aurora going back centuries, even millennia.

* Scientific Understanding: While the phenomenon has been observed for a long time, the scientific understanding of the aurora developed gradually over centuries.

* Early Theories: Early theories about the aurora included explanations like reflections from ice, atmospheric fires, and even divine signs.

* Modern Explanation: In the 18th and 19th centuries, scientists like Edmond Halley, Anders Celsius, and Michael Faraday made significant contributions to understanding the aurora as a phenomenon related to the Earth's magnetic field and solar activity.

Therefore, while the aurora has been observed for ages, the scientific understanding of its cause has been a gradual process. It's more accurate to say that our knowledge of the aurora has evolved over time rather than pinpointing a specific year of discovery.