April 25, 2023
Northern Lights Dazzle Skygazers
Above: Mackinac Bridge, Mackinac Island, Michigan. Credit: Jason Gillman, Pixabay
Stunning Aurora Borealis captured on video
Natural light and cosmic occurrences might not be the usual fare on inside.lighting, but some extraordinary and recent happenings loosely related to our electric lighting passion merits a mention -- and some video footage.
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a stunning celestial phenomenon that has captivated skygazers for centuries. This dazzling light display occurs when solar particles collide with the Earth's magnetic field, resulting in a breathtaking array of shimmering colors that dance across the night sky. The mesmerizing hues of green, red, yellow, blue, and violet are created by the excitation of different atmospheric gases such as oxygen and nitrogen, painting a vivid portrait of nature's awe-inspiring artistry.
While it is difficult to predict the exact timing and location of these displays, experts predicted that conditions were favorable for the Northern Lights to be visible in the recent days. Skygazers across North America were indeed treated to the dazzling light show Sunday night and early Monday morning. Clear skies and minimal light pollution are key factors for optimal viewing.
Residents near the US-Canada border are no strangers to the occasional aurora sighting, but reports of the celestial phenomenon extended as far south as California, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Arkansas, according to Spaceweather.com. The Northern Lights also captivated onlookers across the UK and northern Europe, providing a rare opportunity for stargazers in these areas to witness the ethereal light display.
Below are numerous videos that capture the phenomena in various parts of the United States, Canada and Europe:
