Imagine the surprise of New Yorkers when the night sky lit up with a dazzling display of northern lights! This wasn't just any usual night; it was a special event that hadn't been seen in a long time. The New York Metro Weather shared a stunning photo of the vibrant purple and pink hues over the city, urging everyone to step outside and look up.

People from all over the city did just that. But they weren't the only ones lucky enough to see the show. The aurora borealis was visible as far south as Washington DC and even across the Atlantic in the United Kingdom. One excited New Yorker simply wrote, "AHHHHH," capturing the collective awe of the city.

The cause of this incredible spectacle? A powerful burst of energy from the sun, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME). This event triggered geomagnetic storms that created the stunning light show in our sky. Weather experts didn't expect the storm to be this strong, especially not over New York City.

Even places like New Jersey and Delaware got to witness the breathtaking sight. People as far as the French Alps were treated to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration initially didn't include New York City in their visibility forecast, but the CME proved to be much stronger than expected.

Unfortunately, the lights might not last long. Experts say the aurora could be visible for a few more days in some parts of the world, but by Friday night, New York City might be out of luck. Still, it was an incredible night to remember for many city dwellers.

City Lights Up with Rare Northern Lights Show

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