(LOOTPRESS) – A powerful solar eruption is making its way toward Earth, potentially treating Americans to a dazzling display of the aurora borealis, or northern lights, on Thursday night.
This geomagnetic storm, driven by a coronal mass ejection (CME) of plasma and charged particles, is forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to create vibrant auroras visible across much of the northern U.S.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a rare G4-level geomagnetic storm watch—the second this year. The storm could impact satellites, GPS signals, and power grids, but it also presents an exciting opportunity for aurora enthusiasts. The intensity of the solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetosphere could extend the northern lights far beyond their usual range.
Where and When to See the Auroras
Normally best seen near the poles, the northern lights may appear as far south as Alabama and Northern California. States with the highest likelihood of viewing the auroras include Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and parts of the Midwest and Northeast. Even states such as Nevada, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and North Carolina could witness “highly active” auroras, according to the University of Alaska’s Geophysical Institute.
Thursday’s storm is expected to reach a Kp index of 8, which indicates a strong geomagnetic storm. This could cause auroras to move further toward the equator, increasing visibility for millions across the U.S.
Auroras Expected to Peak Near Midnight
The best time to catch the auroras will likely be an hour or two around midnight, weather permitting. The solar particles will interact with Earth’s magnetic field, producing brilliant green and red lights as they collide with atmospheric gases.
NOAA provides an aurora dashboard to help stargazers track the best locations and times to view the northern lights. City lights and cloudy weather may affect visibility, so check local conditions before heading out to catch the spectacle.
A Rare Opportunity for Skygazers
G4-level geomagnetic storms are infrequent. The last one, in May, marked the first since 2005 and delivered breathtaking views of the auroras in areas where they are rarely seen, including lower parts of the U.S. While the storm may cause some disruption to technology, it also provides a rare chance to see nature’s stunning light show across much of the country.
Stay tuned to NOAA’s updates and local weather reports to make sure you don’t miss this celestial event.
