Get Ready for Stunning Northern Lights Display in South Dakota and Across 16 Other States

Get ready to witness a breathtaking natural phenomenon in the night sky as the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, make their appearance in South Dakota and several other states. South Dakota is one of the lucky 17 states that may be able to view the northern lights over the next few days.

This is not the first time this year that the luminous lights will be visible in South Dakota. In late April, a geomagnetic storm created lights that were seen over 30 U.S. states, including South Dakota, Iowa, and Kansas. Now, they may appear in the sky again on Thursday, July 13, in more than a dozen states.

If the weather is clear on Saturday, July 8, and Sunday, July 9, the northern lights may be visible low in the horizon in much of the upper half of South Dakota. Next week, nearly all of the state may see the lights low in the horizon on Wednesday, July 12. However, Thursday, July 13, is expected to be the best chance for South Dakotans to see the lights overhead, according to a forecast from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute.

The best time to view the aurora borealis is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. To increase your chances of seeing the lights, it is recommended to get away from city lights and light pollution.

The northern lights can also be seen in other states such as Alaska, Indiana, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, Maryland, New York, New Hampshire, Washington, Vermont, Idaho, Oregon, and Wyoming.

The last major northern lights event in the U.S. occurred in late April, when the aurora borealis shone above 30 states, including Iowa, North Dakota, Kansas, and more.

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a stunning astronomical phenomenon where colored lights are visible in the night sky. While they are more frequent closer to the North and South poles, they have been seen closer to the Equator as well. To view the lights, one should look in the direction of the closest pole (north in the Northern Hemisphere and south in the Southern Hemisphere), according to the Library of Congress.

The natural phenomenon is usually caused by solar winds coming from the sun and Earth’s magnetic field, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.

So, mark your calendars and keep an eye on the sky for a chance to witness the mesmerizing beauty of the northern lights in South Dakota and other states.

How often do geomagnetic storms occur that allow South Dakota to witness the northern lights?

E uneventful and plain sight, so you better mark your calendar!

The northern lights, scientifically known as the aurora borealis, are a mesmerizing natural phenomenon that illuminates the night sky with vibrant colors. South Dakota, along with 16 other states, has the rare opportunity to witness this breathtaking spectacle in the days to come.

But this is not the first time that South Dakotans have been fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring lights. Back in late April, a powerful geomagnetic storm gifted over 30 U.S. states, including South Dakota, Iowa, and Kansas, with a beautiful display of the northern lights. Now, it seems that luck will shine upon the sky-watchers yet again.

On Thursday, July 13, the heavens may grace South Dakota with the ethereal glow of the northern lights once more. These celestial lights are a sight to behold, captivating anyone fortunate enough to witness their dance across the night sky.

So, prepare yourself for this extraordinary event. Make sure to keep this date in mind and seize the opportunity to witness this dazzling display of nature’s artistry. Grab a blanket, find a cozy spot, and gaze skyward as the northern lights illuminate the darkness with their otherworldly colors. South Dakota and its fortunate 16 companions are in for a treat!