Historical reports of "bright night skies" may have a scientific explanation. It is posited that the recombination of gas molecules broken apart by UV radiation emits energy in the form of an "afterglow".

See the source article by following the link below:
Historical reports of "bright night skies" may have a scientific explanation. It is posited that the recombination of gas molecules broken apart by UV radiation emits energy in the form of an "afterglow".