According to NASA, they occur when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, producing these shimmering light waves.
Solar events such as flares or coronal mass ejections send energy toward Earth. This triggers geomagnetic storms that cause these brilliant lights, sometimes visible as far south as the mid-U.S. when activity is intense.
How to View and Photograph the Lights
Viewing the aurora doesn’t require special equipment. Clear skies, low light pollution, and high geomagnetic activity are your best bets for catching the show.
Want to capture the moment? Use your smartphone’s “Night Mode” feature. Simply aim your camera at the sky, and let your phone do the magic. Some devices will even enhance the natural colors for a more vivid shot.
As one viewer posted on X (formerly Twitter), “I didn’t believe the Northern Lights could show up in Texas—until I saw them dance across the sky last night. Absolutely unforgettable.”
More Sightings Expected
According to NOAA, the aurora could still be visible through Thursday, June 4, though the intensity may diminish. You can monitor viewing conditions and alerts through NOAA’s aurora forecast page and news updates.
