SEATTLE — For Washington residents, Northern Lights sightings were once in a lifetime. But, you may have a second chance to see the colorful glow.
A severe solar storm led to stunning views of the Northern Lights, also known as an aurora borealis, all over the state and most of the country. Northern Lights were seen between 10 p.m. Friday into the early morning hours of Saturday.
The lights are produced when electrons trapped in the Earth’s magnetic field are accelerated by the solar wind and collide with atoms in the atmosphere in a ring centered on the magnetic pole of Earth, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Forecast Center.
Geomagnetic conditions are rated from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme).
KING 5 Meteorologist Leah Pezzetti said last night's storm was rated a G5, which has not been experienced in the area since October 2003.
Saturday night's solar storm is expected to be a G4, so viewings will be similar to last night's sky.
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement for all of Washington, which said that the geomagnetic conditions are expected to continue through the weekend. Extreme solar storms can lead to power or communications system outages.
Thanks to the people who have sent in hundreds of photos showing your view of the colorful night sky! Here's a glimpse at some of those submitted photos:
Aurora borealis sightings wow Washington residents
Want to show us your photos? Send your photos to 206-448-4545 with your name and where the photo was taken. It could be featured on air or online!