Aurora Borealis: Photos of Northern Lights over Alaska following geomagnetic storm
A severe geomagnetic storm occurring over recent days brought with it exceptionally bright aurora borealis – or Northern Lights. The US Space Weather Prediction Centre said the storm peaked over 18 March, but said it has now largely subsided.
The display is a natural phenomenon caused by charged particles – mostly electrons and protons – entering the atmosphere from above, causing ionisation and excitation of atmospheric constituents. However, a geomagnetic storm creates conditions perfect for aurora borealis.
During the storm, photographer Sebastian Saarloos captured images of the display over Alaska. Explaining his pictures, he said: "The auroras were amazing last night [18 March] and it was the most colour that I've ever seen. The auroras also lasted longer than usual. Often I'll see red or purples for a few minutes but last night it lasted hours. The only reason I stopped photographing was because I was physically exhausted from walking through knee deep snow and fighting 35mph winds.
For more images visit Sebastian Saarloos Facebook page
![Aurora Borealis](https://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1429593/aurora-borealis.jpg?w=736&f=db0ca88db8dd7bd9653581ff897f5ef7)
![Aurora Borealis](https://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1429594/aurora-borealis.jpg?w=736&f=1c611b9a3a219f92f29519a7c1fd6248)
![Aurora Borealis](https://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1429595/aurora-borealis.jpg?w=736&f=bae45fc300820f26b11542fd9958b90a)
![Aurora Borealis](https://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1429596/aurora-borealis.jpg?w=736&f=d9cf850c8ff7e417bc8cda3f8c49b607)
![Aurora Borealis](https://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1429597/aurora-borealis.jpg?w=736&f=1a0965660907fa664504ce2c286a9e40)
![Aurora Borealis](https://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1429598/aurora-borealis.jpg?w=736&f=a262e1f7be9124fa4e9cd646d590c5a2)
"It was quite warm at 30F, so cold wasn't a factor, and the adrenaline kept me warm. I'm looking forward to another great night tonight, but last night will be hard to live up to."
![Aurora Borealis](https://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1429592/aurora-borealis.jpg?w=736&f=d570011b505f01325a3b0a79114465a2)
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