Aurora Borealis: Geomagnetic Storm Watch Could Bring Northern Lights to U.S. States
A stunning natural phenomenon may soon grace the skies of the United States as a geomagnetic storm watch has been issued for Monday and Tuesday. This event could result in the appearance of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, over several U.S. states. The Space Weather Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) detected a corneal mass ejection, or an eruption of solar material, on Saturday, which is expected to cause moderate geomagnetic storming.
While watches for geomagnetic storms are not uncommon, this particular event has the potential to make the aurora visible in multiple northern continental states, including New York, the Midwest, and Idaho. Some states already had the opportunity to witness the aurora on Sunday, and visibility is forecasted to increase on Monday.
Alaska, with its northern location, already has a high likelihood of seeing the aurora. However, with the geothermal storm, other states may also catch a glimpse of this mesmerizing spectacle. According to the Space Weather Prediction Center’s forecast for Monday, the aurora could be visible in 17 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
While the forecast indicates the possibility of seeing the aurora, several factors can influence its likelihood. The sun’s activity, cloud cover, and solar winds all play a role in determining whether the lights will be visible. Clearer nights offer a better chance of witnessing this natural phenomenon than cloudier ones. The NOAA notes that it is possible to predict aurora a day or so in advance, with more accurate predictions available between 15-45 minutes before their occurrence.
The best time to observe the lights is between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. EST in the U.S. To stay up to date with the latest information, interested individuals can check the Space Weather Prediction Center’s 30-minute aurora forecast.
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, it is important to note that they are not as common in the Lower 48 states of the U.S. Therefore, seeing them with the naked eye can be a rare occurrence. If nothing is visible, using a camera can enhance the chances of capturing the lights, as devices often pick up the aurora better than the human eye. It is also advisable to look closely, as faint levels of aurora can sometimes resemble white clouds.
To understand the phenomenon behind the aurora, it is essential to grasp what a geomagnetic storm is. According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, a geomagnetic storm occurs when there is a major disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere, resulting in an exchange of energy from solar wind into the space environment surrounding the planet. Large geomagnetic storms are associated with solar coronal mass ejections, where billions of tons of plasma from the sun reach Earth. The upcoming geomagnetic storm that may cause the northern lights to be visible is a result of coronal mass ejections, which typically take a few days to arrive at Earth.
The aurora itself is a breathtaking glow that appears when electrons from space collide with atoms and molecules in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Depending on the hemisphere, it goes by different names: aurora borealis, or northern lights in the Northern Hemisphere, and aurora australis, or southern lights in the Southern Hemisphere. Earth’s magnetic field typically forms the aurora around the North and South poles, but during geomagnetic storms, their visibility can be even greater. The aurora usually forms between 80 to 500 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.
Even if one misses the aurora borealis caused by the upcoming geomagnetic storm, there will be other opportunities to witness solar activity in the future. We are currently approaching the peak of Solar Cycle 25, according to the NOAA. This means that more sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections can be expected. The NOAA states that this period of elevated activity can last for several years, with significant space weather events possible in 2024.
In conclusion, nature enthusiasts and stargazers across the United States have an exciting opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring aurora borealis. With a geomagnetic storm watch in place, the northern lights may grace the skies of multiple U.S. states. Whether it’s in Alaska or as far south as New York and the Midwest, this celestial spectacle promises to captivate and mesmerize all those fortunate enough to witness it. So keep an eye on the forecast, grab your camera, and prepare for a breathtaking display of nature’s beauty.
