The Czech Republic witnessed a spectacular display of the aurora borealis on Friday evening, marking the strongest sighting since 2003.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute confirmed the phenomenon on social media, though the exact intensity remained uncertain.

The aurora, also known as the northern lights, was visible without any special equipment in areas with clear skies and a good view north. Faint glimpses were even possible from some locations on the outskirts of cities.

Dozens of social media posts captured the awe-inspiring sight, with reports of sightings in Pilsen, Český Krumlov, northern Moravia, Olomouc, Brno, and Blansko, among other locations.

Prague. Photo by Petra Skůpova

Prague. Photo by Petra Skůpova

Prague. Photo by Petra Skůpova

Prague, u Hvězdárny Ďáblice. Photo by Ilona Slavíčková

Prague-Smichov. Photo by Luděk Vašta

Blansko. Photo by Lukáš Podloucký

Jihlava. Photo by Karel Ženíšek

Švihov. Photo by Antonín Hušek

Polární záře nad Prahou☺️😍 pic.twitter.com/tEWW56sc9L

— Lukas Biba (@bibalukas) May 10, 2024

Druhá vlna silné polární záře v ČR… tohle se nedá popsat slovy. Nestíháme prakticky fotit ! pic.twitter.com/25aSBhUucv

— Lukáš Ronge (@RongeLukas) May 10, 2024

Nejsilnější polární záře od roku 2003 nad Českem! To byla noc! Nádhera!

Fotky od fanoušků @veda24: Josef Kalous, Ondřej Pukl, Lukáš Šandl a Eliška Nýdlová.

Další stovky fotek jsou na facebookové stránce @Vedact24. pic.twitter.com/s8REzdMRFD

— Daniel Stach (@DanielStach) May 11, 2024

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