Northern Lights Expected to be Visible in Multiple U.S. States Next Week
The mesmerizing aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is set to make a rare appearance in more than a dozen states across the United States next week. Weather permitting, the stunning display of light from outer space will be visible from Alaska to Maryland between July 12 and 13.
According to NASA, the aurora borealis occurs when electrons from space collide with atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere of Earth, producing neon green waves in the night sky. This phenomenon is similar to the creation of bright lightbulbs when electrons collide with neon gas.
The University of Alaska’s Geophysical Institute has forecasted high aurora activity on July 13, with visibility expected in states such as Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Indiana, Vermont, and Maryland. Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto will also have the opportunity to witness the spectacle.
On July 12, the aurora borealis will be visible in Alaska, Washington, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, as well as in Canadian cities like Edmonton and Winnipeg.
While the northern lights are typically visible in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavian countries during average activity, increased activity allows for sightings in more U.S. states like North Dakota and Michigan. The lights can even be seen in the Southern Hemisphere, such as in New Zealand, when activity is fairly strong.
The best time to observe the northern lights is when the sky is clear and dark, preferably closest to the equinox. Auroras usually occur every 27 days and are a result of solar storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends looking for the lights within an hour or two of midnight, typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, currently on a mission to the sun, has recently gathered valuable information on the solar storms that create the aurora borealis. These storms travel 93 million miles to Earth’s atmosphere, where they evolve into a turbulent flow of magnetic fields and charged particles that interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating the stunning aurora in the sky.
However, while the northern lights provide a breathtaking spectacle, they can also disrupt communications systems. The Carrington Event in 1859, a strong solar eruption that intensified the auroras, caused significant damage to telegraph and electrical systems.
The sun’s creation of powerful solar winds follows an 11-year cycle, with the next peak in activity expected around 2025. During this time, auroras are likely to be more visible at lower latitudes.
The upcoming opportunity to witness the northern lights in multiple U.S. states is a rare occurrence that should not be missed. So mark your calendars and keep an eye on the weather forecast for a chance to witness this natural wonder.Northern Lights Expected to be Visible in Multiple U.S. States Next Week
The mesmerizing aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, will be visible in over a dozen states across the United States next week. Weather permitting, the stunning display of light from outer space will be visible from Alaska to Maryland between July 12 and 13.
According to NASA, the aurora borealis occurs when electrons from space collide with atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere of Earth, producing neon green waves in the night sky. This phenomenon is similar to when electrons collide with neon gas to create bright lightbulbs.
The University of Alaska’s Geophysical Institute has forecasted high aurora activity on July 13, with visibility expected in states such as Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Indiana, Vermont, and Maryland. Canadian cities like Vancouver and Toronto will also have the opportunity to witness the northern lights.
On July 12, the aurora borealis will be visible in Alaska, Washington, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, as well as in Canadian cities like Edmonton and Winnipeg.
While the aurora borealis is typically visible in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavian countries during average activity, increased activity allows more U.S. states like North Dakota and Michigan to have the chance to see the lights. The lights can even be seen in the Southern Hemisphere in places like New Zealand when activity is fairly strong.
The best time to observe the northern lights is when the sky is clear and dark, closest to the equinox. Auroras usually occur every 27 days and are a result of solar storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends looking for the lights within an hour or two of midnight, usually between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, currently on a mission to the sun, has recently gathered information on the solar storms that create the aurora borealis. These storms travel 93 million miles to Earth’s atmosphere, where they evolve into a turbulent flow of magnetic fields and charged particles that interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating the stunning aurora in the sky.
However, while the northern lights are a breathtaking sight, they can also disrupt communications systems. In 1859, the Carrington Event, a strong solar eruption that intensified the auroras, caused disruptions to telegraph and electrical systems.
The sun’s creation of powerful solar winds follows an 11-year cycle, with the next peak in activity expected around 2025. During this time, auroras will likely be easier to see at lower latitudes.
The opportunity to witness the northern lights in multiple U.S. states next week is a rare and exciting event. Nature enthusiasts and sky gazers are encouraged to take advantage of this unique spectacle, provided the weather conditions are favorable.
What time of day and year is best for viewing the northern lights in Alaska, Washington, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, Edmonton, and Winnipeg
Alaska, Washington, Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, as well as in Canadian cities like Edmonton and Winnipeg.
While the northern lights are commonly seen in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavian countries during average activity, this increased activity allows for sightings in more U.S. states like North Dakota and Michigan. The lights can even be observed in the Southern Hemisphere, such as in New Zealand, when activity is strong.
The best time to view the northern lights is when the sky is clear and dark, preferably closest to the equinox. They usually occur every 27 days and are a result of solar storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration suggests looking for the lights within an hour or two of midnight, typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, currently on a mission to the sun, has recently gathered valuable information on the solar storms that create the aurora borealis. These storms travel 93 million miles to Earth’s atmosphere, where they evolve into a turbulent flow of magnetic fields and charged particles that interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating the stunning aurora in the sky.
However, while the northern lights provide a breathtaking spectacle, they can also disrupt communications systems. The Carrington Event in 1859, a strong solar eruption that intensified the auroras, caused significant damage to telegraph and electrical systems.
The sun’s creation of powerful solar winds follows an 11-year cycle, with the next peak in activity expected around 2025. During this time, auroras are likely to be more visible at lower latitudes.
The upcoming opportunity to witness the northern lights in multiple U.S. states is a rare occurrence that should not be missed. So mark your calendars and keep an eye on the weather forecast for a chance to witness this natural wonder.
I can’t wait to witness this mesmerizing phenomenon in multiple states! Nature’s beauty at its finest.