A spectacular display of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, lit up the skies across Canada and other parts of the world on Friday night. This stunning natural phenomenon was caused by a severe geomagnetic storm, the most intense Earth has experienced in the last 20 years.
The northern lights painted the sky in vibrant shades of green, pink, yellow, and blue, captivating onlookers and photographers alike. The breathtaking spectacle was visible throughout the night on May 10 and 11, with many capturing stunning images of the celestial display.
The geomagnetic storm was triggered by a series of strong solar flares erupting from the Sun, caused by a massive cluster of sunspots. This event prompted space weather forecasters to issue a warning on Thursday, alerting the public to the possibility of disruptions to power and communications infrastructure.
Despite the potential risks posed by the storm, satellite internet provider Starlink assured customers that their services were holding up, albeit with some degradation. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the satellites were under pressure but functioning well so far.
The aurora borealis is a visible manifestation of space weather, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA space forecaster Robert Steenburgh described the aurora as a gift of space weather, offering a dazzling display for those fortunate enough to witness it in dark, unpolluted skies.
As the geomagnetic storm continues, there is a possibility of further aurora displays, providing a mesmerizing glimpse into the wonders of the universe.