NJ treated to the northern lights for a second time this week

☑️ Northern Lights were visible over NJ Thursday evening

☑️ They're part of increased solar activity that could interfere with radio signals

☑️ A comet will be visible over New Jersey Saturday night

Earlier this week, New Jersey had the rare treat of seeing the northern lights in the middle of the night. Last night, the light show was back, at a better time and with even more colors.

A severe solar storm triggered a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun earlier in the week. As a result, skies filled with brilliant pink, green, purple and red around both 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday night from the aurora borealis. The display was a sight of joy for many who sent pictures to New Jersey 101.5.

"It’s been my dream since I was a little girl to see them. I’m 46 now. I was so excited I cried," Brooke Marie Allen of Beverly said.

"So awesome," Eileen Stock of Cedar Knolls said.

"Seeing the ever elusive northern lights has been a long-awaited bucket list item that did not disappoint," TCNJ student Noreen Ghachem said who saw both displays.

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NJ's Northern Lights Display 10/10/24

After New Jersey had the rare treat of seeing the northern lights this week in the middle of the night they were back for a second time at a better time and even more colors. Thanks to a severe solar storm triggered by an outburst from the sun earlier in the week skies was filled with brilliant pink, green, purple and red around 7:30 p.m on Oct. 10. Here's a collection of photos sent by New Jersey 101.5 listeners from around the state.

Gallery Credit: Dan Alexander

New Jersey 101.5 Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow was disappointed he missed the show.

"Alas, no aurora for me. The light pollution was too intense, especially with a festival/carnival going on right across the street from our house," Zarrow said. "But I love seeing all the amazing photos from those who had success! I'm so glad many New Jerseyans got to enjoy nature's geomagnetic splendor!"

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Solar flare, the bright flash in the center of the image 10/3/24 (Solar Dynamics Observatory/NASA via AP, File)

Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS

The sun is near the peak of its current 11-year cycle, sparking all the recent solar activity.

The storm also prompted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to issue a severe geomagnetic storm watch that continues Friday for possible disruptions to power and radio signals.

Another sky show happens Saturday when the recently discover comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan–ATLAS makes its closed pass to Earth on Saturday. It won’t be seen for another 80,000 years.

Zarrow says there could be a few clouds but skies will be clear to see the comet.

NASA astronomer Bill Cooke recommends choosing a dark vantage point just after full nightfall to see the comet. Look to the southwest roughly 10 degrees above the horizon and identify the constellations of Sagittarius and Scorpio. Tsuchinshan-ATLAS should be visible between them.

By Sunday, the comet may remain visible at the midway point between the bright star Arcturus and the planet Venus.

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