Solar Storm Expected to Illuminate Northern Lights in 17 U.S. States

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On Thursday, a solar storm is anticipated to offer an opportunity for skygazers in 17 American states to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. This captivating spectacle occurs when solar wind collides with the atmosphere, creating a vibrant display in the sky.

Traditionally, the Northern Lights, also referred to as aurora borealis, are predominantly observed in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. However, due to the ongoing 11-year solar cycle expected to peak in 2024, these enchanting lights are becoming visible in more southern regions. Just three months ago, Arizona experienced the luminous phenomenon, marking the third intense geomagnetic storm since the start of the current solar cycle in 2019.

The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks has predicted auroral activity for Thursday in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Maine, and Maryland.

In addition, the institute has also forecasted auroral activity in Canada, including Vancouver.

The luminous displays are expected to be visible directly overhead in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Helena, Montana. Furthermore, they will be visible closer to the horizon in Salem, Oregon; Boise, Idaho; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Annapolis, Maryland; and Indianapolis, according to the institute.

To experience the aurora, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center advises individuals to seek locations away from city lights, with optimal viewing times occurring between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.

The Northern Lights materialize when the Earth’s magnetic field interacts with a magnetic solar wind, causing atoms in the upper atmosphere to emit a radiant glow. The lights manifest abruptly and their intensity varies.

For assessing auroral activity, a geomagnetic index called Kp is utilized, which ranges from zero to nine. Zero indicates low activity, while nine signifies bright and active auroras. The Geophysical Institute has forecasted a Kp of 6 for Thursday’s storm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Northern Lights visibility

More about Northern Lights visibility

• University of Alaska Fairbanks – Geophysical Institute
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Space Weather Prediction Center
• NASA – Northern Lights
• National Geographic – Northern Lights
• Space.com – How to See the Northern Lights