A solar storm is likely to bring the Northern Lights to several northern US states in time for the new year.
The Sun has unleashed two bursts of plasma that are hurtling toward Earth and are expected to arrive early this week, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Once it arrives, colorful aurora can be triggered Monday and Tuesday night across Alaska, Washington, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. You can also see some in parts of Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Iowa, and New York.
NOAA space weather forecaster Shawn Dahl said the light show is most likely to occur in the early morning hours Tuesday while it is still dark.
As the event approaches, updated forecasts can be found on NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or through the Aurora Forecast app.
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
The sun is in the peak phase of its 11-year cycle, so solar surges and northern lights occur more frequently.
The Northern Lights are best seen just after sunset or just before sunrise, ideally away from bright city lights, NOAA said. By taking pictures with your smartphone camera, you may be able to get hints of the aurora that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
The active period is expected to last at least another year, but scientists won’t know how many months will pass before solar activity peaks.
NOAA is monitoring this week’s solar storm for possible minor disruptions to high-frequency radio communications used by airlines and amateur radio operators.
In May NOAA has issued a rare severe geomagnetic storm warning. — It was the strongest storm in more than 20 years and brought a display of light across the Northern Hemisphere. And in October Powerful solar storm dazzles skygazers Auroras have appeared in unexpected places, including Germany, England, New England, and New York, far from the Arctic Circle.
Note: The above video first aired on October 11, 2024.
