A watch for a geomagnetic storm has been issued for Monday and Tuesday, increasing the likelihood of the mesmerizing aurora borealis, or northern lights, being visible in several U.S. states. On Saturday, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center detected a corneal mass ejection, an eruption of solar material from the sun, expected to result in moderate geomagnetic storming.
Such storm watches are not unusual, and the general public need not be alarmed. However, the event could offer a spectacular display of the aurora, extending across northern continental states from New York to the Midwest and Idaho.
Aurora Viewing Across the U.S.
Some states already had the opportunity to witness the aurora on Sunday, and projections suggest increased visibility on Monday. While Alaska, due to its northern location, naturally has a high chance of observing the aurora, the geomagnetic storm may grant other states a rare glimpse.
According to the Space Weather Prediction Center’s forecast for Monday, the aurora could potentially be visible in 17 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
However, several factors influence the likelihood of observing the aurora, including the sun’s activity, cloud cover, and solar winds. Clear forecasts enhance the chances of viewing the aurora, which may be visible from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. EST. To stay updated, individuals can check the Space Weather Prediction Center’s 30-minute aurora forecast.
Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights
Given that the northern lights are less common in the Lower 48 of the U.S., witnessing them with the naked eye is a unique occurrence. Using a camera can improve visibility, as these devices can capture the lights better than the human eye. Even if the lights appear faint and cloud-like, they may be observable through careful examination.
Understanding Geomagnetic Storms
Geomagnetic storms result from significant disturbances in Earth’s magnetosphere, driven by the exchange of energy from solar wind into the space surrounding the planet. Major storms often accompany solar coronal mass ejections, involving the arrival of around a billion tons of plasma from the sun at Earth. The impending geomagnetic storm, expected to cause the northern lights, stems from coronal mass ejections, which take a few days to reach Earth.
The Fascinating Phenomenon of the Aurora
The aurora, a captivating glow resulting from the collision of electrons from space with atoms and molecules in Earth’s upper atmosphere, has different names based on the hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is called the aurora borealis or northern lights, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is known as the aurora australis or southern lights. Earth’s magnetic field typically confines the aurora to the polar regions, but geomagnetic storms can amplify their visibility.
The aurora usually forms 80 to 500 kilometers above Earth’s surface, providing a dazzling display of lights. Understanding the science behind this natural phenomenon adds to the excitement of witnessing its beauty.
Solar Cycle 25 and Future Auroras
Even if the current geomagnetic storm doesn’t bring about the desired aurora borealis, there will be more opportunities to witness solar activity. As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, the NOAA anticipates increased sunspots, leading to solar flares and coronal mass ejections. This heightened solar activity may persist for several years, with noteworthy space weather events expected in 2024.
In summary, the upcoming geomagnetic storm presents a unique chance for residents in multiple U.S. states to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the northern lights. As solar activity continues to peak, the promise of more stunning auroras remains on the horizon, offering skywatchers additional opportunities to marvel at nature’s celestial light show.