[PHOTOS] Local skywatchers wowed by Northern Lights

Saturday, May 11, 2024–1:30 a.m.

-Staff reports-

Northwest Georgia was treated to views of the northern lights Friday evening.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Aurora Borealis are the result of electrons colliding with the upper reaches of Earth’s atmosphere. The phenomenon is primarily seen in the polar regions.

However, during major geomagnetic storms, these ovals expand away from the poles such that aurora can be seen over most of the United States.

When space weather activity increases and more frequent and larger storms and substorms occur, the aurora extends equatorward. During large events, the aurora can be observed as far south as the US, Europe, and Asia.

The photos below were contributed by Sarah Garrett and were taken on Big Texas Valley Road in Floyd County.