Why this solar storm was so monumental, and other things to know about the lightshow
The promised northern lights over the weekend did not disappoint, producing a dazzling light show across Canada and around the world. CBC News spoke to experts about what transpired and why it was even more dramatic than expected — especially when seen on your phone.
![Why this solar storm was so monumental, and other things to know about the lightshow](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7201732.1715450186!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/aurora-borealis-vancouver-20240511.jpg)
![A person takes a photo of Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights in Vancouver, B.C., Saturday, May. 11, 2024. Space Weather Canada warned the public that a "major geomagnetic storm" alert was in effect Friday, which might cause "ionospheric disturbances," and was expected to continue into early Saturday as a series of strong solar particle releases reach the Earth. A person takes a picture of northern lights above them.](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7201732.1715450186!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/aurora-borealis-vancouver-20240511.jpg)
The promised northern lights over the weekend did not disappoint, producing a dazzling light show across Canada and around the world. CBC News spoke to experts about what transpired and why it was even more dramatic than expected — especially when seen on your phone.