SAN ANTONIO – A geomagnetic storm may cause some KSAT viewers to experience a rare weather event.

According to KSAT meteorologist Adam Caskey, a strong release of plasma and magnetic energy from the Sun – known as coronal mass ejection (CME) – reached Earth on Thursday.

When CMEs interact with Earth’s atmosphere, it creates a colorful aurora known as the ‘Northern Lights’ or aurora borealis.

Although you rarely see the Northern Lights with the naked eye in South Central Texas, they are visible via smartphone cameras, away from city lights. Smartphone cameras have sensitive equipment that can sometimes see the aurora when our eyes cannot.

In May, another geomagnetic storm made the Northern Lights possible in some parts of south-central Texas and the Hill Country.

KSAT viewers in and around the Hill Country took these photos Thursday evening and uploaded them to KSAT Connect.

Not sure how to upload to KSAT Connect? Here’s a guide to posting:

• Open the KSAT Weather Authority app OR visit the KSAT Connect webpage. We recommend that you use the app for regular access to KSAT Connect!
• If you are using the KSAT Weather Authority app, click the camera icon on the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen. You can also upload from the KSAT News app. Click here for instructions.

• Log in or sign up for a FREE KSAT Insider (members) account by clicking the orange button that says “Log in to upload a Pin.”

• Once you’re logged in, click the orange button that says “Upload a Pin.”

• Click the blue button at the top to choose the photo or video you want to share.

• Select ‘Weather’ as channel and one category.

• Tell us about your photo or video by adding a description.

• The final step: Click on the orange button at the bottom to upload.