Photos of the aurora on the night of May 10, as seen from spots in Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb and Southport. The geomagnetic storm responsible for the show had not reached the same levels of intensity since 2003, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.

According to contributing photographer Mike Leonard, “The evening of May 10 was when the skies were flooded with a colorful display of the Northern Lights as a result of the increasing solar activity that is tied to a 22-year solar cycle. Summer of 2025 is meant to be the peak for this current cycle and the light displays that we have been seeing recently will continue and will likely become more frequent over the coming year.   Like a rogue wave that usually accompanies a coming high tide we are seeing and hearing about a lot of solar activity as the peak approaches. The trifecta to see an aurora in Maine are: 1. Clear Sky; 2/ A KP index of 6 or higher; and 3. A moonless night. There are apps and alerts you can sign up to receive notifications about solar disturbances that can result in being able to see aurora. I have an article that can be read here: https://activitymaine.com/capturing-aurora/