Auroras over Waltham

Greater Boston was treated to a sublime celestial show last night. Thanks to a solar flare that erupted earlier this week, electrically charged particles slammed into the earth, causing gases in the upper atmosphere to emit vivid magenta and green hues. This appeared as shimmering curtains of light when viewed from the ground. 

The flare was powerful enough for the aurora, which normally is confined to more northern latitudes, to be seen as far south as Texas.

Here in Waltham the aurora was bright enough to be visible even in areas with light pollution. People across the city captured the spectacle and sent their photos to share with our readers. According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s aurora forecast, a repeat viewing this weekend is unlikely.