SOUTHWEST GEORGIA (WALB) - The Northern Lights appeared in South Georgia for the second time in two years. Chris Zelman, a WALB meteorologist, says this is a rare occurrence.

Zelman says a solar storm causes the flare in the sky. Solar storms occur when the sun triggers Earth’s magnetic fields. He says solar dust and particles interact with the magnetic field, which creates the vivid colors visible in the sky.

Your location in the country will affect the colors you see. Zelman says northern parts of the country see green and yellow Northern Lights, while those in the South will see more red and purple.

If you missed the Northern Lights last night, you might have another chance. Zelman says the colors may not be as strong as yesterday, but your phone can help capture a clear image. He recommends using your camera’s night mode for photos.

Some places, like Valdosta State University (VSU), will offer a viewing area on campus for tonight’s potential show. VSU professor Dr. Martha Leake says anyone can go to the roof of Nevins Hall to see the lights again. She says the doors will be open until 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. She invites the public to watch the Northern Lights from the fourth-floor deck.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.