People in the UK marveled at an unusual and spectacular sight of the Northern Lights on Friday night. This was the result of a severe solar storm that was developing and expected to continue over the next few days.
The Northern Lights, also known as the Northern Lights, usually don't reach this far south. They are most often found at high latitudes near the North Pole. People in other European countries, including Denmark and Germany, also reported seeing the light.
Onlookers marveled at the sight, posting their amazement, joy and sometimes shock on social media. One user wrote: At this time? At this time of the day? In this part of the country? Is it localized all over Edinburgh? ”
Another onlooker posted, “It's really beautiful though.''
The aurora borealis has also appeared in North America, with some people reporting sightings in Maine on Friday night. These occur when the sun ejects material from its surface.
Modern solar storms are caused by collections of sunspots, which are dark, cold areas on the sun's surface. The cluster flares up and releases material every 6 to 12 hours.
Early Friday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center issued an unusual warning about a solar explosion that could disrupt communications and even power grids.