A rare and fast CME triggered a severe G4 geomagnetic storm, producing brilliant auroras seen across Europe and the U.S. under ideal dark sky conditions.

Northern lights were reported across mid-latitudes, with sightings stretching from Germany to the southwestern United States, including New Mexico, during a night of rapidly fluctuating geomagnetic conditions that fluctuated between G1, G2, G3 and G4 storm levels.

A severe geomagnetic storm means there's a chance for a spectacular display of the northern lights over the US tonight.

A NOAA forecast has Northern Lights visible in northern U.S. states overnight on Monday, Jan. 19 through Tuesday, Jan. 20, as a “full-halo” CME heads to Earth.