Why the Northern Lights Lit Up the Sky

BOZEMAN — Montanans were treated to a spectacular light show this week as the northern lights painted the sky in shades of green, pink and red.

Like many across the state, I was one of those people standing outside in pajamas and slippers, trying to catch a glimpse of the aurora from my porch. And judging by social media, I wasn’t alone — photos of the glowing skies filled feeds across Montana.

Meteorologist Matt Elwell says the stunning display was caused by what he calls “the perfect solar storm.”

See the stunning northern lights that lit up Montana skies! Learn why cameras capture aurora better than your eyes and get tips for viewing the next display. Northern lights dazzle Montana viewers as rare geomagnetic storm creates spectacular display

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