A rare and spectacular display of the northern lights illuminated night skies across the globe on Friday as a severe solar storm enhanced the phenomenon. The auroras, typically seen in high latitudes, were visible in locations as far south as Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi, captivating viewers with bright pink, green, and purple colors.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch, the first since 2005, predicting “spectacular displays of aurora” on Friday and through the weekend. Solar flares and eruptions from the sun sent charged particles towards Earth, creating colorful light displays when they collided with the planet’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere.
The cosmic show is expected to continue through Sunday, with reports of power grid issues caused by the ongoing storm. Social media was flooded with stunning photos of the northern lights from around the world, showcasing the rare occurrence and bringing together viewers in awe of the natural phenomenon.
Despite the disruptions caused by the solar storm, the beauty and wonder of the auroras provided a rare treat for those lucky enough to witness the colorful spectacle in person. The unexpected display in normally unseen locations served as a reminder of the power and magic of nature and the universe.
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