Parts of Maine were lit up by colorful aurora on Thursday night, a result of a “severe” geomagnetic storm.

Aurora are formed when solar wind interacts with the Earth’s protective magnetic field, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Thursday night’s show is part of one of the most active aurora seasons in decades. The sun is nearing the height of its “solar cycle,” a roughly decade-long period in which the number and size of sunspots and solar flares naturally ebbs and flows.

Right now, the sun is in “solar maximum,” or the peak of the solar cycle. This year’s solar maximum is among the largest ever recorded, scientists say, with the sun producing the largest recorded solar flares in nearly a decade and giving many parts of the globe an unusual chance to view the northern lights.

We asked readers from all over the state to submit photos of the light show.