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Low-Latitude Aurora Lights Up Hokkaido Following Solar Flares

Scientists said the glow could briefly continue into Nov. 13 as observatories and residents documented the rare display.

Overview

  • Red, low-horizon aurora was seen with the naked eye across Rikubetsu, Tokachi, southern Hokkaido and Otaru on the night of Nov. 12.
  • Regional observatories attributed the event to three straight days of large solar flares beginning Nov. 9.
  • Witnesses reported the light brightening and fading with vertically stretched bands that moved across the sky.
  • Nayoro’s Kitasubaru Observatory and local photographers captured images as visitors gathered at viewing spots.
  • Rikubetsu officials said faint activity might persist into Nov. 13, and southern areas also recorded aurora alongside bright meteors.