"Where Will the Northern Lights Be Visible in the US? Incoming Solar Storm Set to Unleash Auroras"
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A powerful solar eruption is currently racing through space towards Earth, bringing with it the potential to create stunning auroras in the night sky. Many in the United States could witness the vibrant display of green and red hues, commonly known as the aurora borealis, on Thursday night. This is due to a "severe" geomagnetic storm forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The storm, driven by a coronal mass ejection of plasma clouds and charged particles, has prompted NOAA's Space Prediction Center to issue a rare G4 geomagnetic storm watch—the second time this year.
While the storm poses potential risks to satellites, GPS signals, and power grids, it's great news for those eager to catch a glimpse of the aurora. The solar particles interacting with Earth's magnetosphere are expected to make the northern lights visible across a larger area of the northern hemisphere than usual.
Here's what you need to know about the northern lights and how to potentially see them Thursday night in the United States:
NOAA Issues Rare G4 Solar Storm Watch
NOAA has been tracking a coronal mass ejection since Tuesday that is expected to reach Earth by midday Thursday. Solar storms are ranked on a five-level scale, with this storm at a G4 level, just one step below the most severe type. The last G4 storm occurred in May and was the first since 2005. That storm caused power grid irregularities and GPS disruptions, but also offered rare aurora sightings in parts of the U.S. where they are typically unseen.
Where Will the Auroras Be Visible?
Normally best seen at the poles, strong geomagnetic storms can extend the auroras to much wider regions. Thursday's storm, with a Kp index of 8, could make the auroras visible across much of the northern United States, possibly as far south as Alabama and northern California, depending on weather and light pollution.
Best Time to See the Northern Lights
The solar storm will send particles from the sun that interact with Earth's magnetic field, producing colorful auroras as they collide with atmospheric gases. These glowing green and reddish hues are most likely to be visible around an hour or two before midnight, weather permitting.
NOAA offers an aurora tracking dashboard that can help viewers find the best times and locations to catch the display.
Why More Auroras Are Happening Now
Solar activity is increasing as the sun approaches the peak of its 11-year cycle, expected in 2025. As sunspots grow more frequent, intense magnetic activity on the sun's surface will trigger more solar flares and coronal mass ejections, potentially causing more frequent aurora displays.
As these ejections collide with Earth’s magnetosphere, they trigger geomagnetic storms that create the mesmerizing northern lights in regions where they are rarely visible.
Video Link-1
A powerful solar eruption is currently racing through space towards Earth, bringing with it the potential to create stunning auroras in the night sky. Many in the United States could witness the vibrant display of green and red hues, commonly known as the aurora borealis, on Thursday night. This is due to a "severe" geomagnetic storm forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The storm, driven by a coronal mass ejection of plasma clouds and charged particles, has prompted NOAA's Space Prediction Center to issue a rare G4 geomagnetic storm watch—the second time this year.
While the storm poses potential risks to satellites, GPS signals, and power grids, it's great news for those eager to catch a glimpse of the aurora. The solar particles interacting with Earth's magnetosphere are expected to make the northern lights visible across a larger area of the northern hemisphere than usual.
Here's what you need to know about the northern lights and how to potentially see them Thursday night in the United States:
NOAA Issues Rare G4 Solar Storm Watch
NOAA has been tracking a coronal mass ejection since Tuesday that is expected to reach Earth by midday Thursday. Solar storms are ranked on a five-level scale, with this storm at a G4 level, just one step below the most severe type. The last G4 storm occurred in May and was the first since 2005. That storm caused power grid irregularities and GPS disruptions, but also offered rare aurora sightings in parts of the U.S. where they are typically unseen.
Where Will the Auroras Be Visible?
Normally best seen at the poles, strong geomagnetic storms can extend the auroras to much wider regions. Thursday's storm, with a Kp index of 8, could make the auroras visible across much of the northern United States, possibly as far south as Alabama and northern California, depending on weather and light pollution.
Best Time to See the Northern Lights
The solar storm will send particles from the sun that interact with Earth's magnetic field, producing colorful auroras as they collide with atmospheric gases. These glowing green and reddish hues are most likely to be visible around an hour or two before midnight, weather permitting.
NOAA offers an aurora tracking dashboard that can help viewers find the best times and locations to catch the display.
Why More Auroras Are Happening Now
Solar activity is increasing as the sun approaches the peak of its 11-year cycle, expected in 2025. As sunspots grow more frequent, intense magnetic activity on the sun's surface will trigger more solar flares and coronal mass ejections, potentially causing more frequent aurora displays.
As these ejections collide with Earth’s magnetosphere, they trigger geomagnetic storms that create the mesmerizing northern lights in regions where they are rarely visible.
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