Opportunity to Witness the Northern Lights in 17 American States on Thursday – Solar Storm Forecast

Solar Storm Forecast to Bring Northern Lights to 17 American States

A solar storm forecast for Thursday is expected to give skygazers in 17 American states a chance to glimpse the Northern Lights, the colorful sky show that happens when solar wind hits the atmosphere. While Illinois isn’t one of them, people living in parts of Indiana and Wisconsin will experience the stunning sight.

Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, are most often seen in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. However, an 11-year solar cycle that is expected to peak in 2024 is making the lights visible in places farther to the south. Just three months ago, the light displays were visible in Arizona, marking the third severe geomagnetic storm since the current solar cycle began in 2019.

The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks has forecast auroral activity on Thursday in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Maine, and Maryland. Auroral activity has also been forecast for Canada, including Vancouver.

Light displays are expected to be visible overhead in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Helena, Montana, and low on the horizon in Salem, Oregon; Boise, Idaho; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Annapolis, Maryland; and Indianapolis, according to the institute.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center advises people wanting to experience an aurora to get away from city lights. The best viewing times are between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.

Northern Lights occur when a magnetic solar wind slams into the Earth’s magnetic field and causes atoms in the upper atmosphere to glow. The lights appear suddenly, and the intensity varies. A geomagnetic index known as Kp ranks auroral activity on a scale from zero to nine, with zero being not very active and nine being bright and active. The Geophysical Institute has forecast Kp 6 for Thursday’s storm.

What is causing the Northern Lights to become visible in more southern locations?

Solar Storm Forecast to Bring Northern Lights to 17 American States

Get ready for a spectacular sky show! A solar storm is predicted for Thursday, offering skygazers in 17 American states a rare opportunity to witness the stunning Northern Lights. While Illinois will unfortunately miss out, residents in parts of Indiana and Wisconsin will be treated to this colorful display.

Typically, the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are best seen in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. However, due to an 11-year solar cycle that is expected to reach its peak in 2024, these captivating lights are becoming visible in more southern locations. Just a few months ago, the captivating light displays were witnessed in Arizona, marking the third severe geomagnetic storm of the current solar cycle that began in 2019.

The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks has issued a forecast for auroral activity on Thursday. Sky enthusiasts in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Maine, and Maryland will have the chance to witness the Northern Lights. Similar auroral activity has also been predicted for Canada, including Vancouver.

According to the institute, the most prominent displays will be overhead in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Helena, Montana, while Salem, Oregon; Boise, Idaho; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Annapolis, Maryland; and Indianapolis can expect to see a lower horizon display.

For the best viewing experience, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center advises individuals to escape the bright lights of the city. The optimal viewing times are between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.

The Northern Lights occur when magnetic solar wind collides with the Earth’s magnetic field, causing atoms in the upper atmosphere to emit a mesmerizing glow. These lights can appear suddenly, with varying intensities. The Geophysical Institute measures auroral activity using a geomagnetic index called Kp, which ranges from zero to nine. Thursday’s storm is expected to reach a Kp 6 rating.

Prepare for a captivating celestial event and make sure to take advantage of this rare opportunity to witness the magical Northern Lights dance across the night sky.