Visible Across The First Coast On Friday Night May 12th

Aurora Borealis: A Rare Celestial Display in Florida and Georgia

Visible across the First Coast on Friday Night, May 12th

On Friday night, May 12th, residents of the First Coast of Florida and Georgia witnessed a rare and spectacular sight: the aurora borealis. This dazzling celestial display, typically associated with high-latitude regions, was visible as far south as Florida due to an extreme geomagnetic storm.

A Brief History of Auroras in Florida

While this may seem like an extraordinary occurrence, Florida has, on rare occasions, experienced the aurora borealis in the past. In 1989, the northern lights made an appearance on the First Coast, captivating observers with their ethereal beauty.

Stunning Red Glow Visible in the Southern Sky

This recent display was particularly impressive, with reports of a vibrant red glow illuminating the night sky. The aurora's otherworldly colors, caused by energized particles interacting with the Earth's atmosphere, created an unforgettable spectacle.

Northern and Southern Lights Captured by Photographers

Photographers were quick to capture the breathtaking sight, sharing their stunning images on social media. The aurora borealis and its counterpart, the aurora australis, or southern lights, were both visible during the event.

Rare Display across the US and Europe

The geomagnetic storm responsible for the Florida and Georgia aurora also triggered dazzling displays across northern Europe on the same night. The aurora's appearance in such diverse locations demonstrates the impact of these disturbances on Earth's magnetosphere.