Rare Geomagnetic Storm Brings Northern Lights to New York City

New York – The northern lights were visible in New York up the following Friday night A “real” geomagnetic storm reached Earthand experts say there is still a chance to see the aurora borealis closer to New York City.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a G5 geomagnetic storm has been detected for the first time in nearly 20 years and is strong enough to make the aurora borealis visible in the Tri-State Area.

Other parts of the US he also saw the northern lights Friday night and officials said that the show would continue on Saturday and stay on Sunday night.

Northern lights preview

CBS New York

Maybe you can see the northern lights from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut if the weather cooperates and the skies are clear. The further north you are, the better.

Although the clouds started to clear overnight on Friday, it remained cloudy around the city. Saturday was brighter during the day, but cloudy again at night, so most of the area missed the view.

But there is good news!

Sunday night looks much brighter and offers the best opportunity to view the aurora from the New York City area. East Long Island might be the place to be, said CBS New York meteorologist Vanessa Murdock.

You don’t have to be directly under the aurora to see it. It can be seen from as far as 600 miles away, NOAA says. However, you have a better chance of seeing anything from the suburbs or rural areas, where it will be much darker.

CBS New York

According to CBS New York meteorologist Craig Allen, our area needs a Kp index of 7 or greater to see the northern lights. Some areas north of New York City have a Kp index of 8 from this storm – the highest in our area since 2005.

The geomagnetic storm triggered warnings of possible disruption to the power grid, communication systems and satellite operations.

New York City Office of Emergency Management he said they don’t expect direct effects from the geomagnetic storm, but “crews are on alert and reviewing possible scenarios.” ”

Northern lights seen in Upstate New York

The northern lights were visible in parts of New York on Friday night.

The northern lights were visible in the night sky over Hamburg, New York on May 10, 2024.

Alex Forth

A purple and green glow was visible in the sky above Hamburg in Erie County.

The northern lights were visible in the night sky over Hamburg, New York on May 10, 2024.

Alex Forth

Click here to see more photos of the northern lights from across the US

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