Must-see: Breathtaking Northern Lights display brightens Seattle sky

The Northern Lights were visible overnight Saturday in Seattle and across Washington state's Puget Sound.

"Probably the best aurora display we've seen in a decade here in Seattle," tweeted the National Weather Service of Seattle. "Simply amazing."

The aurora borealis – also known as the "Northern Lights" – is a region of charged gases in the ionosphere, about 50 miles above the Earth's surface. The gases give off light from green to orange to red, depending on the type of gas being excited by the charged solar particles.

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Below, see five selected captures from the stunning aurora show around Puget Sound:

Mothers day Northern lights from Guemes Island

Posted by Rakan Alduaij on Sunday, May 8, 2016

"Mothers Day Lights" Last night we were treated to a beyond amazing display of the Aurora Borealis. I got to spend the...

Posted by JB Hawkins Photography on Sunday, May 8, 2016
Mother’s Day Aurora for the Emerald City

Mother’s Day Special! Early this morning in the skies above the Emerald City I watched (and photographed!) a phenomena I never thought I’d get to witness with with my tired old eyes… the Aurora Borealis dancing right there above Seattle and our beloved Space Needle. Im going to tell you right now that was about as much fun as I think I’ve ever had taking photos of something and was simply spectacular to watch. Happy Mother’s Day all you moms out there - this one’s for YOU!

Posted by Tim Durkan Photography on Sunday, May 8, 2016

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