In a stunning display of the aurora borealis, visible as far south as Arizona, dark mode photography features on cell phones have played a significant role in capturing mesmerizing images of the northern lights. This rare occurrence was made possible by a massive G5 category solar storm, expected to continue through Sunday.

Amid reports of naked-eye visibility of the auroras across vast regions of the United States, individuals struggling to witness the natural phenomenon firsthand may find solace in their smartphones. Michael Bettwy, the Chief of Operations at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, advised people to use their cell phone cameras to snap pictures for a clearer view.

While the naked eye may not perceive the glorious spectacle of the northern lights, capturing them with a smartphone camera, specifically utilizing the long-exposure dark mode or night mode feature, proves to be remarkably effective. Brent Gordon, Chief of Space Weather Services Branch for SWPC, emphasized the capability of technology in our phone cameras to bring forth things that are imperceptible to the human eye.

The colorful displays caused by disruptions to Earth's magnetic field from solar particles have been heightened by the solar storm, leading to an influx of "coronal mass ejections" and expanding visibility as far south as Tucson, Arizona. The extraordinary nature of these images has left many in awe, with individuals taking to social media platforms to share their wondrous captures.

For those eager to capture their own aurora pictures, Hello Aurora, a northern lights tracking service, recommends using a tripod, enabling night mode or manual longer exposure time features on smartphones, and selecting a dark environment with minimal light pollution. These optimal conditions promise to yield remarkable results for amateur photographers.

With the solar storm expected to conclude by the end of Sunday, individuals are encouraged to seize this opportunity to test their dark mode photography skills and capture the breathtaking beauty of the northern lights.

As the celestial phenomenon continues to unfold, it remains to be seen just how far south these aurora images will be captured. The convergence of technology and natural wonders has added a new dimension to the experience of witnessing and immortalizing the captivating northern lights.