On May 10 and 11, the northern lights, scientifically known as aurora borealis, painted the night sky into an awe-inspiring display of colors. Many were struck by the beauty of the northern lights as they glided across the horizon.

The epic show of lights was viewed by many across the Bighorn Basin. The unusual occurrence, mostly seen in Alaska, was both a shock and a delight. Some students at Powell High School were able to watch the lights as they danced across the sky seemingly walking the line between two different worlds.

“They were prettier than I thought they were going to be,” freshman Naomi Whipple said. “It looked like a scene from ‘Brother Bear.’”

Although the display made a huge exhibit, some were not aware of the event happening and missed the chance to watch the lights. The missed opportunity for some was devastating, while others are already looking forward to their next chance, determined not to miss the lights again.

“I wish I could have seen them,” sophomore Tayler Tolman said. “Because I’ve never seen them before.”

The lights astounded many with their gorgeous streaks across the midnight canvas. Some tried to put the phenomenon into words, while others were content in basking in the celestial feeling of it all. Although the lights were amazing, they could be seen in more color when using devices to enhance the view.

“Without a camera, it kind of looked like a smoke haze almost in the sky,” senior Weston Reynolds said. “With a camera, you actually got to see more traditional northern-looking lights.”

After watching the northern lights, or in some peoples’ cases missing it, many are excited for the next time that the aurora borealis will be displayed. The spectacular show of lights which surprised some and awed many with its vivid manifestations of colorful hues, leaves students looking forward to the next time.

“I am looking forward to the northern lights again,” Reynolds said. “I would love to get some photos with horses.”