According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center, solar material and magnetic fields erupted and caused a coronal mass ejection on October 8. This resulted in a geomagnetic storm that arrived at Earth on Thursday and caused the aurora borealis to become visible in space. some parts of North America.

Although NOAA predicted the aurora would be visible as far south as northern Utah on Thursday evening, some Arizona residents, away from light pollution, were able to catch a glimpse.

People who missed the Northern Lights on Thursday can get a second chance to see them on Friday evening.

“The aurora may not be directly overhead, but can be seen from as far as 600 miles away when the aurora is clear and conditions are right,” the NOAA statement said.

NOAA offers an aurora forecast online.

Will Arizona see the Northern Lights in 2025? Here’s what experts say and how to watch