While the Arctic regions are renowned for their unparalleled views of the Northern Lights, this celestial phenomenon made a rare, breathtaking appearance in the skies above the Pacific Northwest this past weekend. From the shores of Puget Sound to the peaks of the Cascade Range, the dancing lights graced our region with their ethereal presence during a period of particularly intense solar activity.

This past weekend, stargazers across the United States were treated to an extraordinary display of the aurora borealis, thanks to an “extreme” geomagnetic storm classified as a G5 – the highest level. According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, this was the first G5 storm to hit our planet since 2005, resulting in power grid irregularities and communication disruptions.

The spectacle was caused by a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun, which interacted with Earth’s magnetic field, triggering auroras visible as far south as Alabama and northern California. While the Northern Lights are notoriously fickle to forecast, this event was described as “unusual and potentially historic” by Clinton Wallace, director of NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. 

The display prompted one awestruck witness, Jordan Westdyk, to receive a text from a colleague with a succinct yet apt description: “Go outside shit’s cool…”

In this photo journal, we embarked on a journey to capture the elusive beauty of the Northern Lights from unique vantage points across the Seattle metropolitan area and surrounding regions during periods of heightened solar activity. Through an exclusive collection of stunning pictures all taken by Highline community members, we aim to showcase the magic of witnessing nature’s most captivating light show in an unexpected setting.

While the Northern Lights are not a regular occurrence in this part of the world, their rare appearances made for unforgettable experiences.

While the Northern Lights are a common sight in the Arctic regions, their appearance in the Pacific Northwest was a testament to the power and reach of the solar particles that interacted with Earth’s magnetic field. These displays served as a reminder of our planet’s interconnectedness with the larger cosmic system and the ever-changing dynamics of the solar-terrestrial environment.

Capturing the elusive Northern Lights from the Pacific Northwest required a combination of skill, patience, and a bit of luck. Long exposures and high ISOs were essential to capture the faint auroral displays, while wide-angle lenses helped to frame the cityscape or natural landscapes against the backdrop of the dancing lights. Timing was also crucial, as the auroral activity could be fleeting, requiring photographers to be ready to act at a moment’s notice.

Whether witnessing the Northern Lights from the Arctic or the Pacific Northwest, it was essential to respect and preserve the natural environments that provided these unique vantage points. By promoting sustainable practices and minimizing our impact, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the magic of the auroral displays, no matter where they occur.

Typically the best times to witness aurora borealis displays are during the spring and autumn equinoxes when the Earth’s magnetic field is favorably aligned (and although this vibrant display could be seen from within the greater Seattle area, typically getting outside the city’s light pollution is required to have a chance at glimpsing them.)

This photo journal explores the beauty, rarity, and scientific significance of the Northern Lights in the Pacific Northwest, and discovers the magic of witnessing these celestial wonders in unexpected places – an experience that was made all the more extraordinary by the rare and intense solar activity gracing our skies this past weekend.