Stargazers in some lucky locations were able to view the Aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, Wednesday night and early Thursday.

People shared photographs of the spectacular site on social media from Northern U.S. locations like Minnesota, Alaska and Maine. Photos show the brilliant green and purple shimmering skies the aurora is known for.

Parts of Europe, the U.K. and Canada were able to catch a glimpse of the northern lights as well.

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The aurora is caused by collisions of electrically charged particles from the sun which enter earth's atmosphere. According to Space.com, the recent event was caused by a geomagnetic storm, which may have made the aurora visible as far south as Pennsylvania.

Click through the slideshow above to see images from the stunning celestial phenomenon.

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