May 11, 2024 4:30 AM – Astoria Park, Queens, New York
An X-class solar flare sent a CME hurtling toward Earth. An immense geomagnetic storm ensued on our planet. Around 4:30AM EDT, from Astoria Park, Queens, on the Great Lawn by the Hell Gate Bridge, aurora appeared for a few minutes. Beams of light of ionized atmospheric molecules changed shapes before our eyes. Seeing the Northern Lights from New York City proper–with its bright lights, sky glow, and light pollution–was a once-in-a-lifetime incredible experience.
