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A significant geomagnetic storm, propelled by recent solar activity, is anticipated to render the northern lights, also known as auroras, visible across a large portion of the northern United States this week, according to space weather experts.
Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has released a geomagnetic storm watch following a series of solar flares. These solar events triggered multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that erupted from the sun on Sunday and are projected to reach Earth starting on Wednesday.
Understanding Coronal Mass Ejections
A coronal mass ejection, or CME, is defined by NOAA as an expulsion of solar plasma and associated magnetic fields. Upon reaching Earth, CMEs can induce geomagnetic storms, which in turn manifest as vibrant auroras, commonly referred to as the northern lights.
Solar Storm Intensity
Severity Scale
The intensity of these geomagnetic storms is contingent on the interaction between Earth’s magnetic field and the incoming solar bursts. The watch issued for Wednesday is categorized as a G3 on the geomagnetic storm severity scale, which ranges from 1 to 5.
Potential Disruptions
According to NOAA, G3 storm conditions could lead to minor disturbances in satellite, radio, and GPS communications systems.
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Aurora Visibility
For those interested in celestial phenomena, a more captivating consequence is the potential visibility of auroras as far south as northern Iowa and Oregon.
Northern Lights Viewing Locations
States with Potential Visibility
According to NOAA’s Aurora Viewline Forecast, the northern lights may be observable in numerous states on Wednesday. These include:
- Alaska
- Washington
- Oregon
- Montana
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Michigan
- Wisconsin
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Maine
Other Possible Viewing Areas
Visibility may also extend into portions of Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, and New York.
Optimal Viewing Time
The precise timing of aurora visibility is dependent on the degree of geomagnetic activity. However, NOAA indicates that the optimal viewing window typically falls within an hour of midnight.
Increased Aurora Activity Expected
Even if the northern lights are not visible this week, numerous opportunities will arise throughout the year to witness this spectacle.
Solar Maximum
This heightened aurora frequency is attributed to the sun’s current position at the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, known as “solar maximum.” This phase of heightened solar magnetic activity results in more frequent and widespread aurora displays.
Space weather forecasts suggest that intermittent aurora activity is expected to persist throughout the remainder of the year.