North Carolina gets rare glimpse of northern lights

CHARLOTTE — Did you happen to see the northern lights over the weekend?

The display was visible in some parts of North Carolina for the second time in a few weeks.

The spectacle is a rare occurrence for the Tar Heel State.

Energized particles from the sun enter the Earth’s upper atmosphere but our planet’s magnetic field protects us, according to space.com.

The magnetic field redirects the particles toward the poles, which creates a majestic sight.

Where to monitor aurora forecasts:

• Spaceweather.com
• Geophysical Institute
• Three-day forecast
• 30-minute forecasts

VIDEO: Aurora borealis: What you need to know about the northern lights

Aurora borealis: What you need to know about the northern lights (NCD)

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