Powerful solar storm paints night sky with dazzling auroras

Brent Jones
May 11, 2024 at 8:50 PM

Parts of Canada, the United States and Europe were treated to a rare display of the northern lights last night. The light show was caused by a series of powerful solar storms, the strongest recorded in nearly 20 years.

The storm, initially forecast as a G4 geomagnetic storm (second-strongest level) unexpectedly intensified to a G5 (extreme), which is the highest level on the scale.

This resulted in auroras being visible much further south than usual on May 10, as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

While cloudy skies in Greater Fort Erie largely obscured the view, many were fortunate enough to witness vibrant displays of pink, purple and green lights dancing in the night sky.