On Thursday night, bright green and red auroras illuminated the skies across the United States as a significant solar storm brought the northern lights to many regions.

People in northern states and even as far south as Alabama experienced the captivating light displays, characterized by brilliant rays and swirling patterns. This spectacle was intensified by a solar coronal mass ejection, which sent plasma clouds and charged particles towards Earth, causing a geomagnetic storm. This event led the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to issue a rare G4 geomagnetic storm watch, marking the second occurrence this year.

The interaction of solar particles with Earth’s magnetosphere made the auroras visible over a broader area, reaching further towards the equator than normal.

Images from across the nation showcased this mesmerizing natural phenomenon.

If you missed this spectacular event, don’t worry! More chances to see the northern lights will arise as the sun continues to approach its 11-year solar cycle peak.