x
Breaking News
More () »

PHOTOS | Perseid meteor shower joined by Northern Lights Sunday

Check out another round of the northern lights that were visible from northwest Ohio.
Credit: Dave Smith
The northern lights as captured by Dave Smith in Tiffin, Ohio on Aug. 11, 2024 at 11:20 p.m.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Stargazers who went outside Sunday night in hopes of seeing the annual Perseid meteor shower were met with a second (and less frequent) celestial phenomenon: the Northern Lights.

Several WTOL 11 viewers sent in their photos of the Northern Lights - or Aurora Borealis - that made an appearance overnight. The Northern Lights aren't common as far south as northwest Ohio, but a particularly strong geomagnetic storm caused by solar flares can extend their reach. 

Sunday night's lights clocked in at a Kp index of 7, indicating the presence of a strong geomagnetic storm. 

Credit: Dave Smith
The northern lights as captured by Dave Smith in Tiffin, Ohio on Aug. 11, 2024 at 11:20 p.m.
Credit: Andrew Schramm
The Northern Lights, photographed by Andrew Schramm in Bowling Green, Ohio.

RELATED: See images of intertwined galaxies released on Webb Space Telescope's 2nd birthday

Credit: Amber Connerton
A picture of the Northern Lights in Portage, Ohio, provided by Amber Connerton.
Credit: Summer Morency
The Northern Lights in Seneca County, as photographed by Summer Morency.
Credit: Dale Smith
The Northern Lights in Fostoria, Ohio as captured by Dale Smith.
Credit: Dale Smith
Credit: Hugh Bockbrader
The Northern Lights in North Baltimore, Ohio, as captured by Hugh Bockbrader.

If you were outside Sunday night but did not see the lights, it's not because you weren't looking. Unless a geomagnetic storm is incredibly strong, only a camera will be able to capture its more distinct structures since a camera lens can capture more light than the human eye.

This is at least the second time in 2024 northwest Ohioans were able to see the Northern Lights. In May, an extremely strong geomagnetic storm interacted with Earth's magnetic field and brought a beautiful display to the region. You can see more from that event in the story linked below:

READ MORE: PHOTOS: Northwest Ohio experiences dazzling display of Northern Lights

Do you have photos you want to share? Submit them to the WTOL 11 news app by clicking the "near me" feature, or send them to news@wtol.com. Be sure to include your name and the location it was taken.

WATCH MORE FROM WTOL 11

Want more from WTOL 11?   

➡️ Download the WTOL 11 weather app for the latest local 10-day forecast and live radar!  

➡️ Download the WTOL 11 news app for Apple here or get it in the Google store here

➡️ Get a fresh start to your morning and wrap up your day with the latest news and your WTOL 11 Weather forecast delivered right to your inbox!  

WTOL 11's Your Morning Blast and Your Evening Blast deliver stories from northwest Ohio, southeast Michigan and beyond to keep you informed.  

Click here to get on the list!

Before You Leave, Check This Out