Northern Lights Put on Dazzling Display Over Northern California
Northern Californians were treated to a rare celestial surprise Monday night as the Northern Lights briefly danced across the sky, even if many people never saw them.
A powerful solar storm, triggered by a coronal mass ejection from the sun, slammed into Earth earlier in the day. Scientists with the Space Weather Prediction Center said it was one of the strongest geomagnetic storms in more than two decades, strong enough to push auroras far south of their usual range.
By nightfall, parts of Northern California did catch the show. Photographers and skywatchers at higher elevations, above widespread valley fog, reported visible aurora activity, including near Lake Almanor. Local photographer Jake Edwards captured striking images of the glowing sky, showcasing hues rarely seen this far south.
Still, the display was more subtle than past events in May 2024 and November 2025. The biggest reason came down to timing. The storm peaked during the early afternoon, when most of the West Coast was still in daylight. By the time darkness arrived, key space-weather conditions needed for bright auroras had already begun to fade.
Dense fog across much of the Central Valley further limited visibility, leaving only pockets of clear sky for those in the right places at the right time.
Even so, Monday night served as a reminder that Northern California can, on rare occasions, look more like Alaska than the Sierra — if the sun, Earth, and timing all decide to cooperate.
