The National Weather Service tweeted photos of the light show calling it "probably the best #aurora light display we've seen in a decade here in #Seattle. Simply amazing."
Probably the best #aurora display we've seen in a decade here in #Seattle. Simply amazing. #wawx pic.twitter.com/5BxhoBCZmm
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) May 8, 2016
In the Northern Hemisphere, the aurora borealis, also called the "northern lights," occurs when particles from space interact with electrically charged particles in the Earth's magnetic field.
The particles in space, fueled by energy from the sun, collide with particles in the Earth's magnetic field and emit light, which in most cases is viewed as the color green in the sky.
Watch Emerald City green auroral glow explode into curtains and pillars at NWS Seattle this morning. #aurora #wawx pic.twitter.com/nucqmZ5bWN
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) May 8, 2016
We just witnessed an amazing auroral display here at NWS Seattle. Curtains extending well up into sky. Photos and video will follow later.
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) May 8, 2016
ABC News contributed to this story.