This is one of several photos Jonathan Kerwin, of Pendleton, shot 9:30-10:30 p.m. May 11, 2024, on Midway Road between Helix and Pendleton by the church that was built in 1884.

The aurora borealis was powerful enough Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11, to be visible well into the lower 48 contiguous United States. The East Oregonian asked its Facebook followers to share their photos and experiences of the event, and they did not disappoint.

The post received more than 380 comments, and several allowed the EO to publish their photos.

Layla Beth Munk, of Pendleton, summed up seeing the aurora over Mount Hebron Drive in Pendleton with three words: “It was magical.”

“Definitely checking this off my bucket list!,” said Hermiston’s Cinda Stefani.

Sarah James said camping at Mount Emily was a great spot to see the aurora.

“Such an amazing experience,” she said. “Everyone one around the camps was hooting and hollering.”

Brandi Harris Gammond, of Pendleton, said, “The ever-changing swirls were amazing.”

Krystal Quintana, of Hermiston, posted this comment: “Went all the way to Alaska and got married and really hoped we’d see the lights, but nope! So I was super excited it was right over our house.”

To see more of the photos or to add your own, visit the East Oregonian on Facebook.

To find out more about the aurora, including forecasts and what causes the displays, visit www.swpc.noaa.gov.