UNITED STATES: Skygazers across 17 American states, including three in New England, are eagerly anticipating a rare celestial event this week as a solar storm is predicted to make the stunning Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, visible in regions typically unaccustomed to such displays.
The event is expected to occur on Thursday, offering a unique opportunity for residents of several states to witness this natural phenomenon.
While the Northern Lights are often witnessed in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia, the upcoming solar storm, coinciding with the peak of the 11-year solar cycle in 2024, will extend the reach of these mesmerizing lights further southward.
Scientists from the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, have issued a forecast for auroral activity, predicting that the lights will be visible in 17 states across the US.
The states where the Northern Lights are expected to grace the night skies include Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Maine, and Maryland. Residents of these states are encouraged to keep an eye on weather conditions, as favorable weather will play a crucial role in maximizing visibility.
The UAF Institute’s report predicts that the auroral activity will be at a high level (+). Depending on the weather, viewers will be able to see intense auroral displays overhead from places like Inuvik, Yellowknife, Rankin, and Iqaluit to Vancouver, Helena, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Bay City, Toronto, Montpelier, and Charlottetown. Salem, Boise, Cheyenne, Lincoln, Annapolis, Indianapolis, and other cities will also be able to see the lights on the horizon.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center has provided recommendations for those planning to witness the aurora borealis. Enthusiasts are advised to move away from city lights and find locations with minimal light pollution.
The Northern Lights are most prominent between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, giving viewers the best chance to see them and experience their breathtaking majesty.
The visibility and brightness of the aurora borealis are closely tied to the level of geomagnetic activity. As the date approaches, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will closely monitor the solar storm’s progress and publish its own forecast to assist potential viewers.
The NOAA’s forecast will serve as a valuable resource for sky gazers, ensuring they can plan their aurora borealis viewing experience accordingly.
The upcoming display of the Northern Lights in these 17 US states promises to be a captivating event, showcasing the sheer magnificence of our planet’s natural wonders.
So mark your calendars, prepare your cameras, and get ready to be enchanted by the ethereal dance of lights across the night sky. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the spectacular beauty of the aurora borealis in your very own backyard.
Also Read: Norway: A Land Bathed in Constant Daylight for Months
