Fri Oct 11 16:51:27 UTC 2024: ## Northern Lights Dazzle Across US as Powerful Solar Storm Unleashes Spectacular Display

**Washington, D.C.** – Americans across the country were treated to a breathtaking display of the northern lights Thursday night, thanks to a powerful solar storm that pushed the auroras far south of their usual range.

Green and reddish auroras danced across the sky, visible from the northern states all the way down to Alabama. The striking rays, spirals, and flickers were amplified by a solar coronal mass ejection, which unleashed plasma clouds and charged particles towards Earth.

This geomagnetic storm was so strong that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a rare G4 geomagnetic storm watch, only the second time this year. The powerful eruption, interacting with Earth’s magnetosphere, made the auroras visible further south than usual.

Photos from across the country captured the dazzling display, delighting stargazers.

“This is just the beginning,” said Eric Lagatta, a breaking news reporter for USA TODAY. “As the sun reaches the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, we can expect even more opportunities to see the northern lights in the coming months.”

So, if you missed the show this week, don’t despair. There will be plenty more opportunities to catch the northern lights as the sun’s activity continues to increase.

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