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Northern Lights dazzle over Clarendon County for the second time in 2024

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For the second time this year, the Northern Lights made an unexpected and awe-inspiring appearance in South Carolina, casting an ethereal glow over Clarendon County, especially captivating those near the lake area on Thursday night.

The vivid aurora borealis, typically observed in higher latitudes, was visible thanks to a powerful G4 geomagnetic storm caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun. The storm’s energy, interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field, created vibrant lights that danced across the sky.

Local residents, surprised by the rare spectacle, took to social media to share breathtaking photos of the shimmering lights over Lake Marion. The hues of green and purple reflected beautifully on the still waters, creating a scene that many in the community had never witnessed before.

This sighting marks only the second time the Northern Lights have been visible this far south in 2024. The first occurrence was earlier in the year, with many attributing both events to heightened solar activity. Typically, these light displays are reserved for regions closer to the North and South Poles, making their appearance over South Carolina an extraordinarily rare event.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had issued a geomagnetic storm watch earlier in the week, but few in Clarendon County expected such a show to unfold in their own backyard.

As solar activity continues to increase, experts say it’s possible the Northern Lights may be seen in lower latitudes again, although sightings this far south remain extremely unusual.