RAPID CITY, S.D. — A rare and breathtaking display of the northern lights illuminated the sky tonight, painting the horizon with vivid shades of green and red that could be seen even above the city lights.
Residents across the Black Hills region stepped outside to witness the celestial show, with many capturing photos of the aurora stretching across the northern sky. The phenomenon, typically visible much farther north, became visible thanks to a strong geomagnetic storm triggered by a burst of solar activity earlier in the week.
The dazzling colors are created when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, green hues coming from oxygen at lower altitudes and red from higher up.
Experts say the display could continue into the night if skies remain clear. Those hoping to catch a glimpse are advised to look toward the northern horizon away from city lights for the best view.
The National Weather Service in Rapid City noted that solar storms of this strength are uncommon but have produced some of the most memorable aurora sightings in South Dakota history.
If skies cooperate, we could be in for another night of color dancing above the plains… a reminder of the beauty that sometimes arrives quietly from beyond our atmosphere.
