If you’ve been enjoying the northern lights over the past few weeks, you’re in luck—you’ll have the chance to see them again this week.
Thanks to increased solar activity, the stunning auroras will once more be visible across large parts of the U.S., stretching far beyond its usual locations near the poles.
What Causes the Northern Lights?
The northern lights are a result of the interaction between Earth’s magnetic field and charged particles from the sun.
These powerful bursts of solar energy are part of the sun’s natural 11-year cycle of solar activity.
“Since August 10, no less than five solar flares have triggered this series of geomagnetic storms,” reported Space.com.
These geomagnetic storms increase the likelihood that people living in latitudes much farther south than usual will get the rare chance to see the auroras.
More Auroras in the Coming Years Even if you miss the northern lights this week, there will be many more opportunities in the near future.
Good news! This week offers another opportunity to witness the northern lights, if you have been enjoying them over the past few weeks.
Wide swaths of the United States will once again be treated to breathtaking auroras, thanks to increased solar activity. S. Extending significantly beyond its typical locations close to the poles.
Why Do We See the Northern Lights?
The interaction of charged particles from the sun with Earth’s magnetic field produces the northern lights. These particles, which are propelled toward Earth by solar wind, collide with molecules in the atmosphere to release light energy, which is what gives rise to the aurora’s vibrant, erratic hues. Vibrant purples, pinks, reds, and greens light up the night sky, resembling a natural light show.
An increase in geomagnetic storms, which are brought on by solar particles expelled from the sun during solar flares and coronal mass ejections, is the cause of this week’s increased visibility of the northern lights. The recent burst of solar activity has greatly intensified the auroras, according to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), making them visible much farther south than usual.
Where to See Aurora Borealis and When.
Though usually limited to areas close to the Arctic, this week’s sightings are predicted to span much of the northern United States and, in certain cases, as far south as California and Oregon. Away from city lights and under clear, dark skies are the best places to see the lights.
The following states are anticipated to see the northern lights:.
The Maine.
New Hampshire. .
New England.
NY.
Boston.
CT.
Pennsylvania.
New Jersey.
Michigan.
Wisconsin.
Minn.
Dakota Territory.
Dakota in South America.
MT.
Idaho.
Wyoming. .
Iowa.
OH.
USA, IN.
IL.
Oregon.
Arlington.
Cali.
These states are those where people may be able to see the auroras several nights this week if the skies are clear. Usually, the best times to watch are between 10 p.m. me. and two a. m. , but for the best chance of catching a glimpse, it’s crucial to check local conditions.
This Week’s Auroras: The Science Behind Why Now?
A string of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have caused exceptionally strong geomagnetic storms, which are to blame for this week’s increased visibility of the northern lights. The sun’s regular 11-year cycle of solar activity includes these potent outbursts of energy. Auroras on Earth become more frequent and intense when the sun enters a more active phase, as it has been doing recently. This is due to an increase in the intensity of solar flares and CMEs.
According to Space . com, “this series of geomagnetic storms has been triggered by no fewer than five solar flares since August 10.”. People who live in latitudes far south of average are more likely to experience the unique opportunity to see the auroras as a result of these geomagnetic storms.
The Next Years Will See More Auroras.
You will have plenty of chances in the near future to see the northern lights, even if you miss them this week. Scientists predict that solar activity will stay high for the foreseeable future, which means that auroras will occur more frequently and be visible over wider regions of the world.
Solar physicist Bob Leamon of NASA and the University of Maryland Baltimore County stated, “We should see some fine displays of aurora in the next three or four years.”. A new generation of sky watchers, particularly those in areas that don’t often see the auroras, have a rare opportunity to witness the beauty of the auroras up close during this time of increased solar activity.
For now, if you happen to live in one of the states where aurora visibility is predicted for this week, make sure to locate a dark area away from city lights, scan the sky, and enjoy a spectacular display of solar storm activity that you won’t soon forget.
