Aurora is an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) built on the NEAR Protocol, designed to provide a seamless and scalable solution for running Ethereum-based applications on the NEAR blockchain. It bridges the gap between Ethereum’s ecosystem and NEAR’s scalability and low transaction costs, allowing developers to migrate or deploy Ethereum-compatible smart contracts with minimal changes.

Aurora leverages NEAR’s core features, such as its sharded architecture and high throughput, to offer faster transaction processing and lower fees compared to the Ethereum mainnet. It enables users and developers to interact with Ethereum’s tools, such as Solidity, Web3.js, and Metamask, while benefiting from NEAR’s efficiency. This makes Aurora a key part of NEAR’s strategy to enhance blockchain interoperability.

Aurora also includes a bridge called the Rainbow Bridge, which facilitates the transfer of tokens and assets between Ethereum and NEAR. This interoperability allows developers and users to access the best of both ecosystems, unlocking new opportunities for decentralized finance (DeFi) and other Web3 applications.

In essence, Aurora extends the functionality of the NEAR Protocol, making it a powerful platform for Ethereum developers who seek scalability without compromising the tools and assets they’re familiar with. It strengthens NEAR’s position as a multi-chain-friendly blockchain platform.