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NEW YORK – Skywatchers across a wide swath of the United States may witness vibrant aurora borealis displays Tuesday night as a significant solar storm approaches Earth. Space weather authorities have issued a geomagnetic storm watch following substantial coronal mass ejections from the sun earlier this week, potentially triggering enhanced northern lights activity.
Potential Aurora Visibility Across Multiple States
Forecasters predict that the mesmerizing northern lights, also known as auroras, could be visible in states including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Additionally, residents in northern regions of Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania may also have an opportunity to view the celestial phenomenon.
Shawn Dahl of NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center noted that the intensity of the luminous spectacle will depend on the interaction between Earth’s magnetic field and the incoming solar bursts.
Understanding Auroras: Nature’s Light Show
As the sun reaches its maximum activity in its 11-year cycle, occurrences of auroras are becoming more frequent and widespread. Recent months have seen colorful northern lights grace night skies in unexpected locations, and experts suggest that more aurora displays are anticipated.
“This pattern of activity is expected to continue intermittently throughout the year,” Dahl commented.
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Last spring, Earth experienced its most intense geomagnetic storm in two decades, resulting in light displays throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Furthermore, a powerful solar event last fall captivated stargazers well beyond the Arctic Circle, with dancing lights observed in regions as far-reaching as Germany, the United Kingdom, New England, and New York City.
Aurora displays, encompassing both northern and southern lights, are typically observed near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s upper atmosphere.
However, sky observers in lower latitudes across the United States and Europe are increasingly witnessing these lights due to the sun’s current period of heightened activity. The sun undergoes a magnetic field reversal every 11 years, leading to magnetic disturbances and increased solar events.
Severe solar storms have the potential to disrupt radio and GPS communications.
This phase of heightened solar activity is projected to persist until at least the end of the year. NASA and NOAA indicate that the peak of solar activity will only be determined in retrospect, several months later.
Impact of Solar Storms Beyond Auroras
Solar storms can have consequences beyond creating picturesque auroras.
The impact of high-speed particles and plasma from the sun colliding with Earth’s magnetic field can cause temporary disturbances to power grids. Space weather events can also interfere with air traffic control communications and orbiting satellites.
Historical records show that a significant solar storm in 1859 produced auroras as far south as Hawaii and ignited telegraph lines. Another notable event in 1972 may have triggered magnetic sea mines off the coast of Vietnam.
Currently, space weather experts cannot predict solar storms months in advance. Instead, they issue alerts to relevant organizations in the days leading up to a predicted solar outburst impacting Earth, allowing for preparatory measures.
Tips for Aurora Viewing
Northern lights forecasts are readily available on NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website, and through various aurora forecasting applications.
For optimal aurora-watching conditions, seek out dark and quiet locations away from city illumination. NASA’s Kelly Korreck suggests considering local or national parks for skygazing. It is also advisable to monitor weather forecasts, as cloud cover can obstruct the view entirely.
Capturing images with a smartphone camera might also reveal subtle indications of auroras not immediately apparent to the naked eye.
“Enjoy the spectacle,” Korreck encouraged. “It’s a remarkable show, delivered from the sun directly to you.”