Solar Storm Creates Stunning Northern Lights Display

Aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, usually seen at high latitudes, but intense solar activity can make them visible farther south.

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Rare solar storm on Friday triggered Northern Lights across North America, including the Chicago area.

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Coronal mass ejections from the sun caused the light show, extending from Canada to northern Alabama.

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This event allowed Northern Lights to be seen in unusual places due to the solar storm's intensity.

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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a geomagnetic storm warning, first since 2005.

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Material from the sun interacts with Earth's magnetic field, causing gases in the atmosphere to glow.

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Best chances to see Northern Lights: go out when it's dark, away from city lights, and when the sky is clear.

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Bright lights behind you may help improve visibility, and cell phone time-lapse camera can capture the phenomenon.

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Geomagnetic storm peaks around 1 a.m. with a strength of 8 on the KP index, potentially affecting power grids and satellite communications.

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Another sighting of Northern Lights possible on Saturday night as the geomagnetic storm persists throughout the weekend.

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