Spectacular Pink Skies Illuminate East Brunswick as Solar Storm Sparks Rare Phenomenon

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - Residents of East Brunswickwere treated to an awe-inspiring spectacle this evening as the sky transformed into a breathtaking palette of pink hues around 7:20 p.m. The stunning display was a direct result of a recent coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun, which reached Earth earlier in the day and triggered severe geomagnetic storm conditions.

Local naturalist Katherine Wydner captured some beautiful photos right here on Louise Drive in East Brunswick.

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According to the National Space Weather Prediction Center, the solar CME arrived at Earth just before lunchtime, hurtling through space at nearly 1.5 million miles per hour. The powerful burst of solar energy sparked a G4-level geomagnetic storm—classified as "severe"—setting the stage for increased Northern Lights activity over a significant portion of the United States tonight, including states as far south as Michigan.

Typically confined to higher latitudes, auroras occur when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth's magnetic field, producing vivid colors in the night sky. This geomagnetic storm was strong enough to create visible auroras even in unexpected areas, giving East Brunswick residents a rare opportunity to witness the celestial event.

The mesmerizing shades of pink seen over East Brunswick were the result of a unique combination of atmospheric elements. When solar particles interact with oxygen at lower altitudes, the result is often red and pink colors. This evening’s atmospheric conditions allowed for the display to be seen much farther south than usual, making it a memorable experience for those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse.

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