Auroras have been observed across the world, including parts of Japan, after a series of solar flares erupted from the sun, while sightings may continue over the coming days.

Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology said that since Wednesday there have been at least seven eruptions on the sun's surface, which likely triggered a geomagnetic storm. The government agency cautioned that global positioning and communications systems could be disrupted.

The northern lights are believed to have been spotted in Hokkaido and Ishikawa Prefecture, northern and central Japan, on Saturday night. They were barely visible to the naked eye but were caught on camera.

In the United States, auroras appeared in Florida, Maine and Michigan states, and may also be seen soon in California, according to CNN.

A curtain of colored light was also seen in Britain on Friday, and further sightings could occur over the next few days, the BBC reported. People in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Inner Mongolia also saw the light show, according to China Central Television.


Hokkaido, northern Japan

An aurora is apparently observed in Abashiri on the northernmost Japanese main island of Hokkaido on May 11, 2024. The lights are believed to have been spotted in parts of Japan following a series of eruptions on the sun's surface. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
 
An aurora is apparently observed in Teshikaga on the northernmost Japanese main island of Hokkaido on May 11, 2024. The lights are believed to have been spotted in parts of Japan following a series of eruptions on the sun's surface. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan

An aurora is apparently observed in Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, on May 11, 2024. The lights are believed to have been spotted in parts of Japan following a series of eruptions on the sun's surface. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan

An aurora is apparently observed in Nakadomari in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on May 11, 2024. The lights are believed to have been spotted in parts of Japan following a series of eruptions on the sun's surface. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Photo taken May 11, 2024, shows light from what is believed to be an aurora in Fukaura, Aomori Prefecture in northeastern Japan. (Kyodo)