northern lights tonight

 

Northern lights visible across the US due to solar storm: Here's when and where to watch it

A powerful solar eruption is heading toward Earth, bringing with it the chance for a rare and stunning aurora borealis display over much of the northern hemisphere. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G4 geomagnetic storm watch, one of the most severe classifications, as the storm is expected to hit Earth by midday Thursday. As a result, northern lights may be visible in regions far beyond their usual range.

G4 Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued by NOAA

NOAA has been tracking a coronal mass ejection from the sun since Tuesday. This ejection, a burst of plasma and charged particles, is expected to interact with Earth's magnetic field, potentially causing disruptions to power grids, GPS signals, and satellites. Despite these risks, the event could provide a unique spectacle for aurora chasers. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued the rare G4-level storm watch, the second time this yea ..

Forecasters use a five-level scale to categorize geomagnetic storms, with G5 being the most severe. A G4 storm, according to NOAA, is just one step below the most intense classification. The last G4 storm, in May, marked the first such event since 2005. That storm was powerful enough to cause electrical grid disturbances and interfere with navigation systems. However, it also gave rise to stunning views of the aurora borealis in areas where the phenomenon is not usually visible.

Extended Aurora Visibility Across the U.S.

Geomagnetic storms like the one expected Thursday night can push the visibility of the auroras much farther from the poles than usual. NOAA has indicated that the storm’s strength will likely make the aurora visible across much of the northern U.S. "At these levels, aurora may be seen directly overhead from the northern states," NOAA said in a statement, highlighting that the Kp index of the storm is 8, indicating very bright and active auroras. ..

The University of Alaska at Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute has also stated that auroras may be "highly active" in regions like Nevada, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and North Carolina during the storm.

When and How to Catch the Best View

Auroras form when charged solar particles get caught in Earth’s magnetic field and interact with atmospheric gases, causing glowing colors like green and red to appear in the sky. NOAA recommends skygazers try to view the auroras within an hour or two of  ..