Auroras discovered around the world
A strong geomagnetic storm caused a stronger than usual aurora.
Lucky Americans living in multiple states may soon have the chance to see the Northern Lights, a natural light show.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the phenomenon was visible starting late Thursday, May 14, and is expected to continue into the early morning hours of Friday, May 15.
The geomagnetic activity that makes it possible to see aurora borealis is expected to continue until May 16, so more aurora borealis could appear over the weekend.
Here’s what you need to know to see the Northern Lights.
When can you see the aurora borealis?
You may have a chance to see the Northern Lights on May 14th and 15th in several US states. According to NOAA, the best time to see the Northern Lights is generally between 10pm and 2am local time. However, this can vary significantly depending on location and as weather and visibility forecasts are updated.
According to forecasts, geomagnetic activity is expected to peak this time between 11pm and 2am local time, creating a moderate magnetic storm that could make the aurora visible further south.
More up-to-date forecasts can be found on NOAA’s Aurora dashboard.
In which states can you see the Northern Lights?
How clearly the aurora can be seen depends on whether the geomagnetic storm reaches G1-G2 (mild to moderate) or G3 (strong) levels and the weather in your area.
According to NOAA’s forecast map, Canada will see the highest and most intense weather this time around, but the states listed below will have at least a chance to get a glimpse.
- washington
- idaho
- montana
- north dakota
- minnesota
- Michigan
- wisconsin
What is the Northern Lights, also known as the Northern Lights?
According to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, an aurora is a bright glow seen around the magnetic poles in the northern and southern hemispheres. Known for creating colorful ribbons of light in the night sky, the aurora borealis is the polar light, or aurora polaris, that appears in the northern hemisphere.
The southern hemisphere has its own polar lights, known as the Southern Lights, or aurora borealis, which create unique and dazzling displays.
Simply put, the aurora is the result of the interaction between the sun and Earth’s atmosphere. Collisions of charged particles from the sun with gases in Earth’s atmosphere produce a series of tiny flashes that look like moving lights in the sky. Charged particles are drawn toward the north and south poles by the Earth’s magnetic field.
That magnetic field normally protects Earth from the solar wind, but sometimes the wind can be strong enough to bypass the magnetic field, causing particles and gases in the magnetosphere to interact and produce colorful displays, according to the Geophysical Institute and the Canadian Space Agency.
Tips for seeing the Northern Lights
The best tip for getting the best view of the Northern Lights is to find a dark spot away from light pollution. Space.com recommends finding a spot as far away from city lights as possible and heading there as soon as the skies get dark. Now it’s just a waiting game.
According to Space.com, the light often hits you in waves, so look for a north-facing view with a clear horizon and practice patience. You can also download apps that track aurora forecasts based on your location, such as My Aurora Forecast & Alerts.
