Stunning Northern Lights … or more like North-ish Lights in Marquette, Michigan Northern Lights. (c) Shawn Malone

The northern hemisphere is accustomed enough to the dazzling Aurora Borealis phenomena, an event which occurs when charged particles collide with atoms from the extreme latitude atmosphere. However, yesterday almost the whole North American continent was bewildered by an incredible spectacle of lights, as Aurora Borealis  apparitions were reported as far south as Kansas, Arkansas or New Mexico.

Cross Plains, Wisconsin Northern Lights. (c) Randy Halverson

This extremely rare event occured as a result of a freakish giant solar flare, which errupted from the sun yesterday, causing the fantastic display to stretch much farther than usual.  The mass of charged particles compressed Earth’s magnetic field and sparked a  geomagnetic storm, something scientists still don’t know too many things about.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Northern Lights. (c) Ray Mckenzie

The vivid light show is set when the charges hit the atoms in the atmosphere. Collisions with oxygen produce red and green auroras, while nitrogen produces the pink and purple colors.

Kvaløya, Norway Northern Lights. (c) Fredrik Broms

One of the best footage from yesterday night’s Northern Lights came from an unsuspecting location, Arkansas. Amateur photographer Brian Emfinger was one of the stargazers who captured the rare occurrence, who also compiled a time lapse from his view.

Ozark, Arkansas Nothern Lights. (c) Brian Emfinger

Ozark, Arkansas Nothern Lights. (c) Brian Emfinger

The time lapse video can be seen right below.

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