The dazzling northern lights appeared in the skies across the state this week because of a G2, or moderate, geomagnetic storm. Such an event is caused by a solar flare, or coronal mass ejection, that sent particles hurdling toward Earth; these charged particles interact with molecules in the atmosphere, resulting in dancing lights in northern skies. Residents across Whidbey Island captured images of the shimmering green lights.

Photo by Jennifer Pearson Jennifer Pearson spied the aurora borealis on Monday night in Freeland by Brothers Boat Builders’ launch.

Photo by Colleen Down The witches of Coupeville, after midnight, certainly added a Practical Magic vibe to the evening when Colleen Down observed the Northern Lights from Main Street.