Northern Lights visible in the Pittsburgh area

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The Northern Lights were on display Friday in the Pittsburgh area.

Residents of southwest Pennsylvania were able to admire the breathtaking views that accompany the Northern Lights. Viewers from Allegheny, Washington, Armstrong, Beaver, Greene and Butler counties sent in photos of their incredible views.

The light show began shortly after 10 p.m. Friday, with green, purple, red and pink hues visible in the sky. It was a rare sight for those who saw it Friday.

Residents of southwestern Pennsylvania saw lights from the largest geomagnetic storm in 21 years, making the northern lights visible Friday. The clear sky also allowed spectators to see the lights.

Several coronal mass ejections (CMEs), sometimes called “solar flares,” have erupted in the Sun’s upper atmosphere. This sends charged particles towards Earth. When these particles interact with our atmosphere, the Northern Lights occur.

Radio transmissions and satellite navigation may have been disrupted during the event, CBS News reported.