ENUMCLAW, Wash. — The Northern Lights on Friday night were a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many residents across western Washington, including the four-legged residents of a sheep sanctuary.
The owner of the rescue in Enumclaw said her sheep and llama joined her in viewing the aurora borealis on Friday, as it lit up the sky across much of the state and the country.
"The amazing thing was the sheep were watching the sky along with me. Most of them were chewing their cud, lying down and staring upward enjoying the show," said Carolynn Bernard.
She said watching the animals was as entertaining as watching the aurora itself. Among those taking in the lights — Jim the llama and Stewie the sheep.
The Bless Ewe Sheep Sanctuary in Enumclaw is a nonprofit that allows rescued sheep to live out their lives peacefully.
A rare geomagnetic storm heightened the aurora borealis on Friday night, and was seen by people across the globe and much farther south than normal.
Geomagnetic activity is lessening, and the Aurora forecast for Monday night is minor, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center.
But if you missed the aurora this last weekend, there will likely be more opportunities to see them. The solar cycle is approaching its 11-year maximum, which is expected to peak later this year or in 2025. When that happens, solar activity increases, which could create conditions conducive to the Northern Lights.