A spectacular solar flare on April 15 unleashed a wave of highly charged particles that ignited colorful auroras across the globe, from Canada to Arkansas to Scotland. This rare “cannibal” solar eruption, resulting from two solar eruptions merging mid-flight, has produced widespread effects that have captivated skywatchers from the Northern Hemisphere to the South Pole.
The Kp index of geomagnetic activity is predicted to remain near 4.33 over the next 24 hours. That’s right, high-latitude auroras are still possible! We’ve seen reports pouring in from across the affected areas, capturing the northern lights’ full range of beauty. Meanwhile, over in Ireland, Sryan Bruen photographed the auroras dancing overhead Ballynafagh Church in County Kildare, much to the joy of local viewers.
Well done to our photographer Cat Perkinton in Scotland for stunningly portraying the dazzling display taking place last night across #Stirling. This breathtaking sight is a reflection of the amazing firework exhibits happening all over the UK. The phenomena extended well beyond British shores. Images from a monitoring station in Germany captured the aurora shimmering in skies as far south as 49 degrees latitude.
Astro Ben shared a timelapse video featuring the aurora pirouetting above his backyard, illustrating the mesmerizing movement of the lights. Back here in the states, all the way in Finland, Austin MacDonald could not believe what he was seeing.
“I was amazed and almost overwhelmed. Living in Finland, I see auroras pretty often, from small G1 storms to last year’s extreme G5 storm. But last night was something special,” – Austin MacDonald
The phenomenon quickly spread to the rest of the Northern Hemisphere. Indeed, sightings were subsequently confirmed in the Southern Hemisphere, and even at the South Pole. The beautiful AR scene witnessed by Solar Observers today provided a truly spectacular solar eruption grand finale. The world exploded in purple, red, yellow bursts and sharp angular lines.
“It came on so fast, and it wasn’t just overhead, it was to the south, north, east, west… It felt like I was standing inside a 360-degree aurora sphere. It just made me feel incredibly small,” – Austin MacDonald
X users defy categorization, and they’ve been flocking to the app to stream and upload their best footage from this stunning display. One user remarked about an “exciting finale,” stating that the auroras outshone a nearly full moon with “naked eye beams and colour.”
X users have taken to social media to share their experiences of this beautiful display. One user remarked about an “exciting finale,” stating that the auroras outshone a nearly full moon with “naked eye beams and colour.”
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