PHOTOS: Northern lights illuminate San Diego sky amid geomagnetic storm
By Amber Coakley,
2 hours ago
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A geomagnetic storm created a light show from space Thursday, with the aurora borealis illuminating the sky right here in San Diego County.
Also known as the northern lights, this celestial display occurs in the northern hemisphere when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere.
To explain this much sought after phenomenon further, when a geomagnetic storm occurs there’s a systematic exchange of energy from the solar wind into the space environment surrounding the planet in which we call home.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, these geomagnetic storms can cause the appearance of aurora. This is the name given to the glow or light produced when electrons from space flow down earth’s magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules of the upper atmosphere.
Fun fact : The word Aurora was first used by astronomer and physicist Galileo. It comes from the Latin language and is the name of “the goddess of dawn.”
Local photographer Vishwas Lokesh told FOX 5/KUSI why capturing the northern lights feel so special. He said, “For me, witnessing this phenomenon leaves me awestruck, and I can’t help but compare it to the Aurora of the seas, bioluminescence. We’re lucky to have both here!”
Vishwas went on to explain how the pink hues and pillars of light are “stunning when visible to the naked eye.” He said, “Capturing it in a photograph is just the cherry on top.”
In the compilation below you will see some his captures of the aurora borealis, along with other shots taken by those who witnessed the fleeting moment across the county.
Mount Laguna
Northern lights seen at at Mount Laguna Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: Vishwas Lokesh) Northern lights seen at Mount Laguna on Thurs., Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: Evgeny Yorobe) Northern lights seen at Mount Laguna on Wed., Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: Martin Jordan) Northern lights seen at Mount Laguna Observatory on Thurs., Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: Phil Dykstra)
Lake Henshaw
Northern lights seen at Lake Henshaw on Thurs., Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: Vladimir Medvinsky)
Northern lights seen at Lake Henshaw on Thurs., Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: Vladimir Medvinsky)
Northern lights seen at Lake Henshaw on Thurs., Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: Rod Lagace)
Lake Cuyamaca
Northern lights seen at at Lake Cuyamaca Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: Vishwas Lokesh)
Northern lights seen at at Lake Cuyamaca Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: Vishwas Lokesh)
Borrego Springs
Northern lights seen at at Anza Borrego-Galleta Meadows Sculptures Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: Kim DeCrew)
Northern lights seen at at Anza Borrego-Galleta Meadows Sculptures Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: Kim DeCrew)
Northern lights seen at at Anza Borrego-Galleta Meadows Sculptures Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: Kim DeCrew)
Valley Center
Northern lights seen at Valley Center on Thurs., Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: Cruz Perez)
Campo
Northern lights seen at Farm Animal Refuge in Campo on Thurs., Oct. 10, 2024. (Credit: John Russo)
With a Geomagnetic Storm Watch in effect through Friday, according to the National Weather Service, there may be another chance to see the northern lights throughout the region. Get your cameras ready.
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