According to an update from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the northern lights were expected to be visible from 11 states on October 7, 2024. Space weather forecasters predicted geomagnetic activity that could produce a strong aurora borealis display.
Rightly so, it was indeed visible in certain places like Watertown in South Dakota, northern Vermont, Alaska, and Northern California as per photos shared by social media users. X users appeared to be in awe after witnessing the scenic view. One person wrote:
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“UNREAL!!! Unedited iPhone shots from Watertown, South Dakota!! Easily the deepest reds I’ve ever seen in the aurora! Still going!! #aurora.”
Some were concerned that clouds might obstruct the view, but fortunately, that didn't happen.
“saw a shooting star against the northern lights tonight. thank u universe,” an internet user reacted.
“Just when I lost hope about the clouds ruining the show tonight, the sky suddenly cleared up like magic. #aurora must’ve know my FOMO & heard my wishes because the insane red light show took over! What a perfect #northernlights surprise,” another person posted on X.
“Some of the most vibrant reds I have ever seen in the Aurora! Here is a quick time-lapse of when a sub storm hit and the colors exploded!” a social media user wrote.
For many viewers, it was a rare sighting while other X users pointed out that red was the rarest color in the northern lights.
“Northern lights putting on a show tonight with the crazy solar flares being directed at earth right now. Red is the rarest colour to see in the Aurora borealis so guess we witnessed a rare sighting tonight !” an X user posted.
“Some Aurora activity here in Northern California, but fairly minor at the moment.Keeping close eye on it. photos later. Regardless nothing better than gazing into the night sky,” an X user shared.
The northern lights were reportedly caused by a massive solar flare
Reportedly, on the morning of October 3, 2024, a massive solar flare erupted from the sun, releasing waves of charged particles towards Earth. This solar event had scientists and space weather experts closely monitoring potential impacts, including northern lights that could be visible in the southern regions of the United States.
The National Weather Service’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) reported that the flare, classified as an X9.0, occurred at 8:18 AM, Eastern Time on October 3, 2024. The flare followed another significant event from the same solar region, known as Active Region 3842, a few days earlier.
Viewers in locations like Piqua, Troy, Enon, and Fort Loramie reported seeing the northern lights. They were also visible in certain areas of Ohio just before 11 PM.
The Northern Lights are produced when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere. The various colors are due to different gases being energized by these particles.
Nitrogen and oxygen are the primary gases in the atmosphere, with nitrogen generating purple, blue, and pink hues, while oxygen produces green light.
Placing cameras in long-exposure and night mode will enable the lens to capture the colors more effectively. It is advisable to be away from city lights and allow one's eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
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