The skies over much of Europe were illuminated on Sunday night as the mesmerizing glow of the Northern Lights graced the continent, reaching as far as southern Slovakia. Stargazers captured and shared stunning images of the celestial phenomenon, with vibrant red, green, and purple hues painting the night sky.

A meteorological camera near the village of Stanča, near Slovakia's southeastern border with Hungary, captured a breathtaking magnetic storm tinged with red, green, and purple lights shortly after 6 p.m. local time (12 p.m. ET). Similarly, a similar display was witnessed in Krakow, Poland, with observers speculating it was seen from a passing airplane.

In England, an amateur photographer seized the opportunity and captured a snapshot of red bands of light suspended over the ancient Stonehenge prehistoric circle in Salisbury. Despite some initial mist and thick fog during the journey, the photographer expressed their delight in finally witnessing the Aurora and shared it on Facebook.

The captivating display of red and green glows extended to various locations across the British Isles. A person in Castle Creavie, located in the southwest of Scotland, shared an image of their blissful evening, further adding to the enchantment of the spectacle.

Farther afield, Dutch photographer Rick Bekker captured faint pink bands arching over the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk, a village just outside of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Bekker described the sight as "unprecedentedly beautiful," emphasizing the rarity and magnitude of the event.

Kazakhstan also witnessed the ethereal phenomenon, with the government even posting an image showcasing the vibrant red and green lights over the nation. However, the specific location was not provided. Newsweek has reached out to the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs for further comments.

The Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported on the widespread sightings of the Northern Lights, stating that the meteorological phenomenon was seen "over almost all" of Russia. Stunning images from Kaliningrad, Russia's exclave in northern Europe, and the rural Perm region, north of Kazakhstan, were shared.

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a result of solar winds interacting with the Earth's magnetic poles. This is why they are typically observed in the northern regions such as Scandinavia. A similar phenomenon, the Aurora Australis, occurs around the south pole.

When solar wind particles collide with the upper atmosphere, they emit photons of light, creating a breathtaking display. The recent sightings showcased a stunning array of greens and reds, most likely a result of the interaction with oxygen gas, although nitrogen can also contribute to these colors.

According to scientists, this winter's auroras are expected to be more prominent than those observed in the past decade. Increased solar radiation is anticipated to collide with the Earth's magnetic spheres, intensifying the brilliance of the lights. Researchers have observed heightened solar activity on the surface of the sun, with expectations of a peak in solar activity next year.

Max Wernerson, a landscape photographer based in Tromso, Norway, shared his awe at witnessing the strongest Northern Lights he has ever seen. Having spent nearly six years chasing these elusive phenomena during winter nights, he marveled at the intensity of the oxygen red visible to the naked eye.

The spectacle of the Northern Lights continues to awe and inspire people around the world, reminding us of the magnificent wonders that exist beyond our own planet. As enthusiasts anticipate future sightings, the allure and splendor of auroras remain a testament to the beauty and grandeur of nature's cosmic dances.