(WWJ) Michiganders lucky enough to be Up North over Labor Day weekend were treated to a spectacular sight: A view of the stunning northern lights.

Usually best seen from the Upper Peninsula, the natural phenomenon, also known as Aurora borealis, was also visible from other locations in the state, according to sky-gazers who shared photos on social media.

Here is a sampling:

So, what is it? According to Cranbrook astronomer Mike Narlock, the northern lights appear when the sun's magnetic field is weakened, causing the release of solar wind at a faster rate of speed than normal. The light we see is the result of collisions between gaseous, electrically charged particles in the Earth’s atmosphere with charged particles released from the sun’s atmosphere.

While it's not really that uncommon a sight in Michigan, he said, people often miss the show because they don't look up.

When may Michiganders be able to see them next? Check the Space Weather Prediction Center's 'Aurora Forecast' here.