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Aurora borealis: Mainers got second chance at viewing rare event

Those who missed the dazzling lights on Friday got a second chance Saturday night.

MAINE, USA — Those who didn't get the chance to view the rare appearance of northern lights over Maine on Friday got a second chance to take in the awe-inspiring event Saturday night. 

The northern lights, aurora borealis, is a natural light display caused by solar wind. It's typically visible in high-latitude regions of the world, like Antarctica, but this weekend, Maine was in luck. 

Brilliant hues of purples, pinks, and greens swept across the night sky for the second night in a row due to a massive solar storm

NOAA said G3 (strong) and G4 (severe) storm conditions persisted through most of the day on Saturday, with a G5 (severe) period early in the day. A watch for G4 or greater conditions is expected to persist throughout Sunday, and aurora borealis viewing may still be possible in some parts of the U.S. Sunday night. 

Viewers sent NEWS CENTER Maine photos and videos of the northern lights this weekend. Check them out below. 

Credit: Bill
Credit: Bill
Credit: Tony Mollison
Credit: Tony Mollison
Credit: Mark
Credit: Mark
Credit: Rob Wright Images
Credit: Rob Wright Images
Credit: Rebecca Bradstreet
The first shot is from my front steps, and the second from my back yard. Credit: Rebecca Bradstreet
Credit: Rebecca Bradstreet
The first shot is from my front steps, and the second from my back yard. Credit: Rebecca Bradstreet
Credit: Michele Lovejoy
Credit: Michele Lovejoy
Credit: Dawne Young
Credit: Dawne Young
Credit: Christopher Mills
Credit: Christopher Mills
Credit: Christopher Mills
Credit: Christopher Mills
Credit: Bill
Credit: Bill
Credit: Bill
Credit: Bill
Credit: Tony Mollison
Credit: Tony Mollison
Credit: Tammie Willoughby
The 2nd photo was taken 5/11/24 with a 30 second exposure. 1st photo taken on 5/10/24. Credit: Tammie Willoughby
Credit: Tammie Willoughby
The 2nd photo was taken 5/11/24 with a 30 second exposure. 1st photo taken on 5/10/24. Credit: Tammie Willoughby

Correction: An earlier version of this story misattributed a photo taken by Rob Wright Images. 

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