TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (AP) -- A red glow in the Monday night sky that prompted calls to law officers and news organizations in north Alabama was described by weather officials as a "northern lights" phenomena.

National weather officials said the light show began at 7:50 p.m. CST, with auroras visible as far South as Texas and Florida, before losing most of its color after a couple of hours.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said solar flares of medium or even major size may be seen over the next couple of nights.

"It's incredible," said chief meteorologist Dan Satterfield of television station WHNT in Huntsville. "This is a rare occurrence. The last time we saw a display of this kind was 15 or 16 years ago. It's one of the better ones I've ever seen, especially this far South."

"Some thought we were being bombed," said Mike Melton, emergency management director for Colbert County. "I got concerned that it might have been an airplane going down."

On the Net:
NOAA solar flare information: http://www.spaceweather.com

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www.al.com/ / AL - Nov 06.01

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