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Auroras over US and similar latitudes

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April 10, 2015

Susan Gies Jensen in Odessa, Washington posted this photo to EarthSky FAcebook. She wrote: — Susan Gies Jensen in Odessa, Washington posted this photo to EarthSky Facebook. She wrote: “I learned that the northern lights were out last night from Facebook friend Chatfield Photographics and while I was taking images, was surprised to capture the unexpected appearance of the ISS!”

Spaceweather.com is reporting a geomagnetic storm, prompted by unsettled conditions in the solar wind, which erupted during the early hours of April 10, 2015, sparking auroras as far south as Colorado. It came despite the fact that a coronal mass ejection from the sun – expected to hit Earth’s magnetic field on April 9 – had not yet arrived. According to SpaceWeather:

Storming could intensify later today if the tardy CME eventually arrives …

Keep an eye out for auroras!

In Canada last night, the display was even better. Jacqui Ferguson wrote: “Incredible auroras tonight near Saskatoon, SK! With colours all over the sky, it was hard to know which way to shoot!”

Aurora as seen near Fergus Falls , Minnesota, courtesy of RPJ's Photography. Thank you Ron Junior! — Aurora as seen near Fergus Falls , Minnesota, courtesy of RPJ’s Photography. Thank you Ron Junior!

Northern lights over Montana on the night of April 9-10, 2015, from our EarthSky friend Keith Hanssen.

This shot was taken in Ireland, around midnight April 9-10, by our EarthSky friend Sarah Sayers.

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April 10, 2015

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Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.