Northern lights dazzle skies across western Nebraska Tuesday night

SIDNEY - Residents across western Nebraska were treated to a rare celestial show Tuesday night as the northern lights glowed brightly over the Panhandle - visible even without a camera.

From Cheyenne, Sidney, Lodgepole and Chappell to Lake McConaughy, Lake Minatare, Bridgeport and even as far east as Lincoln, skywatchers captured stunning shades of red, green and purple dancing across the night sky. The lights were part of a strong geomagnetic storm triggered by multiple solar eruptions over the past several days, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Space weather forecasters said several coronal mass ejections - bursts of energy from the sun - collided with Earth’s magnetic field late Tuesday, producing auroras visible much farther south than usual. The displays could be seen across much of the northern U.S., in some cases reaching as far as Alabama and northern California.

The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, which scientists say makes auroras more common and more widespread. The last major storm of this strength occurred in 2024, when the lights stretched across Europe and the continental U.S.

Despite their beauty, severe solar storms can also cause temporary disruptions to GPS, radio and power systems.

Those hoping to see the lights again are encouraged to monitor the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center or aurora tracking apps. Clear, dark skies away from city lights offer the best viewing opportunities.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.