Northern lights paint spectacular picture in Nova Scotia sky

The northern lights made a rare appearance across Nova Scotia and most of Atlantic Canada on Friday night.

Normally restricted to more northern regions, the phenomenon could be seen in the skies across Canada on Friday.

According to theU.S.-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the northern lights could be seenas far south as Alabama and northern California.

The unusual appearance was caused by recent increased solar activity.

Charged particlesfrom the sun interact with the earth's magnetic field and cause molecules in the upper atmosphere to createfluttering curtains oflight.

People across the province took to social media to share their photos of the northern lights in their community.