Auroras Sweep Northern Skies

Solar flares hit the Earth's atmosphere, creating amazing light shows

By Mark Russell, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 23, 2012 4:00 AM CST

(Newser) – As predicted last week, a solar storm that swept through the Earth's magnetic field created some incredible northern lights displays, with fantastic auroras lighting the skies from Canada to Norway, reports MSNBC. In addition to MSNBC's collection of photos and videos, you can see more photos at sites such as Space Weather and Arctic Photo. The auroras will continue over the next few nights due to another solar storm last night, notes MSNBC.

Solar flares triggered some great auroras across the northern hemisphere last weekend. (©Nick Bramhall)

Solar flares triggered some great auroras across the northern hemisphere last weekend. (©LarsT)

Solar flares triggered some great auroras across the northern hemisphere last weekend. (©Nick Bramhall)

Solar flares triggered some great auroras across the northern hemisphere last weekend. (©Ssppeeeeddyy)

Solar flares triggered some great auroras across the northern hemisphere last weekend. (©Janne.)

Solar flares triggered some great auroras across the northern hemisphere last weekend. (©nikontino)

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Auroras Sweep Northern Skies

Solar flares hit the Earth's atmosphere, creating amazing light shows

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