Solar flare impact lights up the skies with dazzling Northern Lights display

Reports of skies lit in green and purple hues were common across northern regions of Washington, Montana and into the Dakotas.

WATERVILLE, Wash. -- A pair of solar flares that combined to strike Earth Wednesday afternoon didn't disappoint when it came to putting on a show of Northern Lights later that night.

Reports of skies lit in green and purple hues were common across northern regions of Washington, Montana and into the Dakotas.

7 FUN FACTS ABOUT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Along the Washington coast, it was a double show – as photographer Matt Nichols captured both the aurora and bioluminescence.

 The first solar flare left the sun late Monday morning, and a second flare erupted about 8 hours later. The second flare overtook the first flare and their combined power made for a level 3 geomagnetic storm on their 5-level scale.

THE 5 CATEGORIES THAT MEASURE GEOMAGNETIC STORMS

Forecasters say these level 3 conditions may be observed on average about 130 days per 11-year solar cycle.

Earth's magnetic field shields us from any human health impacts, but solar storms may cause a few issues with satellite and radio signals.

More aurora displays are possible this weekend

If you missed Wednesday's shows, there may be renewed aurora displays over the next several days, as the sun continues to crackle with activity.

The sunspot that triggered the first two solar flares have sent out two even stronger flares on Wednesday and Thursday. Those flares triggered radio blackouts on both dates around the United States but their effects on the magnetic field and potential aurora displays likely won't be felt until the weekend.

WHAT IS THE 11-YEAR SOLAR CYCLE

Solar activity has been increasing over the last several months as the sun emerges from the lull in its 11-year-solar cycle and begins its trek toward the peak of the current cycle, expected in 2024.

Loading...