Aurora in the Backyard . ... Credit Copyright: P-M Hed n ( Clear Skies , TWAN ) Explanation: On the night of March 17/18 this umbrella of northern lights unfolded over backyards in Vallentuna, Sweden about 30 kilometers north of Stockholm. A result of the strongest geomagnetic storm of this solar cycle, auroral displays were captured on that night from back and front yards at even lower latitudes, including sightings in the midwestern United States. ... That's Carpe Noctem Observatory, of course. ...