A strong solar storm is on its way to Earth and is expected to create beautiful displays of auroras across more states than usual this Tuesday night. Earlier this week, the sun released significant bursts of energy, known as coronal mass ejections, prompting space weather forecasters to issue a geomagnetic storm alert.
The northern lights, or auroras borealis, are forecasted to be visible in Alaska, as well as states like Washington, Oregon, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Areas in northern Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania may also catch a glimpse of this stunning natural phenomenon.
The intensity of the light show will rely on the Earth’s magnetic field and how it interacts with the solar bursts, according to Shawn Dahl from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center. This means the northern lights might be more vibrant in certain locations.
What Are Auroras Borealis?
The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, which increases the chances of spectacular light displays. The vivid auroras have already been surprising observers in places that are not usually known for such sights, and experts believe even more displays are on the way. “This will continue intermittently throughout the year,” Dahl noted.
Last spring, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades illuminated skies across the northern hemisphere. In the autumn, a powerful solar storm caused stunning light shows far beyond the Arctic Circle, reaching as far as Germany, the UK, New England, and New York.
The best chances to see auroras are near the poles where charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s atmosphere. However, because of recent changes in solar activity, observers in the continental United States and in Europe are now enjoying these spectacular displays more frequently.
The sun undergoes significant changes approximately every 11 years, flipping its magnetic poles and causing various magnetic disturbances. Such storms have the potential to disrupt radio and GPS communications, making it important for us to be aware of these natural events.
What Do Solar Storms Do?
Solar storms do more than light up the sky; they can also have an impact on modern technology. When high-speed particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt electrical networks. Furthermore, such space weather can interfere with essential communication systems used in air traffic control as well as satellites orbiting Earth.
Historically, a notable solar storm in 1859 produced auroras visible as far south as Hawaii and caused fires in telegraph lines. Another storm in 1972 potentially detonated underwater mines off the coast of Vietnam.
Experts in space weather cannot predict solar storms months in advance but do provide alerts in the days leading up to these solar eruptions. This ensures that relevant parties can make necessary preparations.
How To See Auroras Borealis
For those interested in catching a glimpse of the northern lights, forecasts are available through the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center or aurora tracking apps. It’s advisable to find a quiet, dark area away from city lights to increase visibility. Parks, both local and national, are excellent spots to view the skies.
Check the weather forecast beforehand, as clouds can obscure the sight. Taking photos with your smartphone may reveal auroras that aren’t visible to the naked eye. As Kelly Korreck from NASA puts it, “Enjoy it. It’s this great show… from the sun for you.”
