CHICAGO (WLS) — Were you able to witness the breathtaking display in the sky on Thursday night?
Numerous individuals in the Chicago area looked outside on Thursday night and Friday morning to catch a glimpse of the northern lights.
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Witnesses at Foster Beach and throughout Chicagoland were treated to a spectacular and rare display of the northern lights.
Crowds of sky gazers gathered at the beach late Thursday night to witness the skies over the Windy City transform into vibrant hues of green, pink, and red.
The Northern Lights visible in Montgomery, Ill. on Thursday, October 10, 2024.
Christy Nameche
Footage from McHenry County captured the skies there illuminating with greens and reds.
Images sent to ABC7 from as far as Wauconda and Hawthorn Woods showcased the widespread enjoyment of this unusual event.
This remarkable phenomenon was triggered by a solar outburst detected earlier in the week, prompting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to issue a severe geomagnetic storm watch.
The northern lights were visible as far south as the lower Midwest.
Two friends expressed their joy in experiencing the northern lights together as a community at Foster Beach.
“It was truly amazing to witness the transition from green to red. It was a beautiful sight, and sharing it with other people in the community made it even more special,” said Mel Ruder and Emily Holtzman.
Sky gazers are encouraged to use their phones to enhance the experience, as devices can sometimes capture auroras that are not visible to the naked eye.
According to ABC7 Meteorologist Jaisol Martinez, the aurora borealis is not expected to make a return this weekend unless there is another solar flare from the sun, as forecasted by space weather experts.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch for Thursday into Friday following the solar outburst earlier in the week, which could potentially cause temporary disruptions to power and radio signals.
The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year cycle, leading to the recent surge in solar activity.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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