The northern lights have been particularly spectacular in 2013 as the sun is expected to reach the peak of its 11-year solar cycle later this year.

CNN: Northern lights dazzle Northern Hemisphere

Sunspot activity waxes and wanes on the sun in a 11-year cycle, and we are approaching the peak of sunspot activity, probably reaching it in 2013, according to Hesse.

FORBES: Huge Solar Flares Could Spell Catastrophe for Earth

The storm is part of the sun's normal 11-year cycle, which is supposed to reach a peak next year.

WSJ: Solar Flare: Sun Flare Leads to Solar Storm Reaching Earth