Residents of Granite City and nearby areas in Illinois were treated to a rare and dazzling display of the Northern Lights. Locals, including Sheena Williamson, shared photos and described their experiences of this unusual aurora event.
Sheena Williamson, who lives on Morrison Road near Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) in Granite City, called the sight one of the “most beautiful experiences” of her life. She had waited a lifetime to see the Northern Lights.
“I drove around Granite City looking for places to take a photo. I saw it when I got back here. I didn’t think I’d get to see it. I got lucky.”
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are a natural light display caused by energetic solar particles colliding with gas molecules in Earth's upper atmosphere. Williamson noted the difference between seeing the lights with her eyes and how they appeared in photos.
“I took a picture and it made it more vibrant,” Williamson said.
She also mentioned her plan to watch for the aurora again the following night and shared her passion for space.
“I love information about space. I read about that all the time.”
The rare Northern Lights appearance over Granite City sparked excitement and awe, highlighting a memorable moment for local residents and space enthusiasts alike.
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