Northern Lights Surprise Residents, Light Up The Hudson Valley

Did you see the Northern Lights light up the sky this weekend?

Preseid Meteor Shower Brings Star Gazers Out in the Hudson Valley

It was a big weekend in the skies across the Hudson Valley. During the day, the New York Air Show landed at Orange County Airport in Montgomery, New York. The Thunderbirds put on quite the show from what we hear.

However, this weekend also brought one of the most anticipated meteor showers to the skies. The Pereids Meteor Shower peaked this weekend and produced more than 50 meteors per hour.

While stargazers headed outside on Sunday to check out the meteor shower they were greeted with even more of a show.

Northern Lights Blanket the Skies of The Hudson Valley

When stargazers stepped outside on Sunday night, August 11th, 2024, they saw the skies light up in bright purples, greens, pinks and blues.

Forbes reported that there was a "geomagnetic storm watch" in place this passed weekend after an "eruption of solar material on Wednesday and Thursday" which gave us here in the Hudson Valley the opportunity to see the Northern Lights.

In turn, many of our neighbors in the community were able to catch some fantastic photos. Take a look:

Northern Lights Surprise Hudson Valley Residents, Light Up The Skies

Those star gazing in hopes of catching the Perseid meteor shower got even more of a show and saw the Northern Lights.

Why Are We Seeing The Northern Lights More and More in the Hudson Valley?

I know I can't be the only one curious as to why we're seeing the Northern Lights more and more here in the mid-Hudson Region.

Forbes looked into with NOAA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and there is a specific reason. According to their reporting, "The northern lights have been more visible in the U.S. since May due to very active sunspots NOAA has designated as NOAA Active Region 13664. "

What does that mean? Those sunspots, caused "solar flares and coronal mass ejections" that created the strongest geomagnetic storm conditions since the Solar Storms of October 2003.

Which makes sense if you think about May 2024 when the Hudson Valley went wild over the Northern Lights:

Rare Aurora Flare Puts on Stunning Show in The Hudson Valley

Did you capture the May 11th, 2024 Aurora Solar Flare? We'd love to see your photos! In the meantime check out a few photos captured across the Hudson Valley and Greater Danbury area.

Here are a few shots from previous solar flares over the last few years:

Northern Lights Captured Lighting Up Hudson Valley Skies

The rumors were true and the Northern Lights showed up across the Hudson Valley. Thankfully, we're home to some skilled photographers who were able to capture the stunning event.