Universe Today
Our Twitter feeds just exploded with pictures of an auroral outburst in the UK, Scandinavia, Iceland and even from the International Space Station! Thanks to the
X4.9 class solar flare on on Feb. 25,
the resulting CME hit Earth's magnetic field today and triggered geomagnetic storms. Take a look at some of the images pouring in, featuring dancing curtains of reds, greens, purples and pinks:
[caption id="attachment_109825" align="aligncenter" width="580"]
'This is how a CME impact looks like," tweeted
Göran Strand
from Östersund, Sweden. "Lot's of aurora tonight."[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_109824" align="aligncenter" width="580"]
The aurora seen over Scotland on Feb. 27, 2014. Credit and copyright:
Euan McIntosh
. [/caption]
Southern lights were absolutely stunning tonight! pic.twitter.com/y20Rkkc2uv — Mike Hopkins (@AstroIllini)
[caption id="attachment_109827" align="aligncenter" width="580"]
Red curtains of aurora. 'I'm amazed, blown away, never seen aurora before EVER,' said astrophotographer
Wendy Clark.
'Just incredible, stood for ages watching it develop.' [/caption]
[caption id="attachment_109830" align="aligncenter" width="580"]
This view of the aurora from Chobham, Surrey in the UK on Feb. 27, 2014. Credit and copyright:
Tom Chitson.
[/caption]
This timelapse shows the aurora display over Swordale, Isle of Lewis, Scotland on Feb. 27, 2014:
Here are a few notable tweets:
Wow aurora from your bedroom window in North Wales #bucketlistpic.twitter.com/H1MXZ90VqZ — Pete Wood (@PeteWood1981)
I cried tonight... #aurora#orkney@VirtualAstro#merriedancerspic.twitter.com/VJDkOF75ck — Alison Moore (@AlisonMooreDesi)
Lost for words. An hour and a half spent looking up at the most incredible aurora display I have ever seen. — Nick Bramhall (@nickbramhll)
" @Jordan_Crosby: Got treated to an awesome display of #AuroraBorealis tonight in Seaham." @VirtualAstropic.twitter.com/gML6Bj5LDO — Jordan Crosby (@Jordan_Crosby)
Here are more images that came in overnight:
[caption id="attachment_109864" align="aligncenter" width="580"]
An aurora rising from the east above the Science Operations Center at Poker Flat. Aurora seen in Alaska on Feb. 28, 2014. The bubble in the lower right is a dome housing a scientific camera which happens to be in just the right spot to appear as if it's blowing the aurora out. Credit and copyright: Jason Arhns. [/caption]
[caption id="attachment_109865" align="aligncenter" width="580"]
Northern lights from Carmyllie, Angus, Scotland on Feb. 27/28, 2014. Credit and copyright: Mick Walton.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_109866" align="aligncenter" width="580"]
Aurora reflects on water, as seen on February 20, 2014 near Bremnes, Troms Fylke, Norway. Credit and copyright: Ronny Årbekk. [/caption]
To see more images, take a look at the Twitter feed of
@VirtualAstro
, or see the
aurora gallery at SpaceWeather.com.
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