Solar Storm to Illuminate Northern Lights Across 17 American States

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. The 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.

Three months ago, the light displays were visible in Arizona, marking the third severe geomagnetic storm since the current solar cycle began in 2019. Now, 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.

According to the institute, 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. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center advises people wanting to experience an aurora to get away from city lights and that 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.

This rare opportunity to witness the Northern Lights in these 17 American states is sure to attract skygazers and photographers alike. It is advised to plan ahead and find a suitable location away from light pollution to fully enjoy this natural phenomenon.

How can skygazers and photographers make the most of the rare opportunity to witness the Northern Lights in 17 American states?

Prepare for an awe-inspiring treat this Thursday as a solar storm is set to bring the Northern Lights to 17 American states. Normally only visible in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia, the lights, also known as aurora borealis, will be visible farther south thanks to an 11-year solar cycle that is reaching its peak in 2024.

Just three months ago, the stunning light displays were visible in Arizona, marking the third severe geomagnetic storm since the current solar cycle began in 2019. Now, the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks has predicted auroral activity in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Maine, and Maryland. Canada, including Vancouver, is also expected to witness the spectacle.

According to the experts, the best places to witness the lights will be Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Helena, Montana, where they will be visible overhead. For those in Salem, Oregon; Boise, Idaho; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Annapolis, Maryland; and Indianapolis, the lights will be low on the horizon. To fully experience the aurora, it’s advisable to escape city lights and head to darker, more remote locations. The optimal viewing time is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

The Northern Lights occur when a magnetic solar wind collides with the Earth’s magnetic field, causing atoms in the upper atmosphere to emit a vibrant glow. The lights can appear suddenly and their intensity can vary. The Geophysical Institute has forecast a geomagnetic index, known as Kp, of 6 for Thursday’s storm. This scale ranges from zero to nine, with nine being the most active and bright.

This rare opportunity to witness the Northern Lights in 17 American states is sure to captivate skygazers and photographers alike. To make the most of this natural wonder, it’s recommended to plan ahead, find a suitable location away from light pollution, and prepare for an unforgettable experience.