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Northern lights put on a show for parts of Minnesota

KARE 11's Laura Betker says the northern lights occur when electrons from the sun react with the gases in the atmosphere, creating the nighttime phenomenon.

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Many around the metro witnessed quite a show overnight as the northern lights were visible to the naked eye for parts of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities late Thursday night and early Friday morning.

National Weather Service - Twin Cities tweeted a photo of the greenish/blue tint over Chanhassen just before 10:30 pm.

Several others around the state posted photos on social media of the stunning show, including KARE 11 photojournalist David Peterlinz, who captured several images just south of Milaca.

Paula Stahn-Johnson tweeted a photo of her view from Isanti County.

Dr. John Zobitz was able to see the show from the northern suburbs.

Jessica Powers took in light show from North Branch.

Posted by Jessica Powers on Friday, March 24, 2023

And Kelly Nason posted a photo from Deer Run.

Posted by Kelly Nason on Friday, March 24, 2023

KARE 11 meteorologist Laura Betker says the northern lights occur when electrons from the sun react with the gases in the atmosphere, creating the nighttime phenomenon.

Darker skies make for the best viewing conditions, therefore, they're not always visible around the Twin Cities. For the best chance of seeing the northern lights, experts say get away from the city to a spot that has a clear view of the northern horizon.

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