Are you eager for a stunning light display? Admission is free, but the spectacle can be unpredictable. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are anticipated to be visible on Saturday evening and slightly dimmer on Sunday, as per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s forecast. The optimal viewing spots will be in approximately half of the states, primarily along the northern border and in the Midwest.
“Auroras can often be spotted somewhere on Earth shortly after sunset or just before sunrise,” noted the agency’s forecast. “The aurora does not have to be directly above you; it can be seen from up to 1000 km away when it is vibrant and under favorable conditions.”
Where can you catch a glimpse of the northern lights? According to experts, the darkest areas always offer the best views of the aurora borealis. Depending on local conditions, the most favorable sightings are anticipated in Alaska and along the northern border in states such as Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Additional states where sightings are possible include Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, northern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and New England.
Wondering when is the ideal time to witness the northern lights? Experts have grappled with accurately forecasting when and where this phenomenon will occur. Generally, the best time to view the aurora is typically within an hour or two of midnight when the weather is clear, according to NOAA. If there’s a chance of an aurora display near you, it’s recommended to venture away from urban areas to dark locales devoid of light pollution for the optimal viewing experience. The agency offers an aurora dashboard to aid skywatchers in monitoring the phenomenon.
What triggers the northern lights? The auroras are a natural luminous exhibition in Earth’s sky, most notably visible in high-latitude regions of the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The occurrence arises when charged particles from space enter Earth’s atmosphere and interact with molecules and gases like oxygen and nitrogen, energizing the atmospheric particles. Subsequently, these particles release the energy in the form of light. As the auroras materialize, Earth’s magnetic field guides the particles toward the poles, producing a breathtaking display of rays, spirals, and flickers that have captivated humans for ages.
Why are the northern lights making an appearance now? NASA explains that the sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year cycle of magnetic activity, heightening the chances of witnessing the northern lights.
The magnetic condition may persist for the remaining part of the year as a coronal mass ejection was discharged by the sun on Friday, as reported by NOAA. This celestial emission is hurtling towards Earth at a speed of around 750,000 mph. NOAA anticipates a rapid but faint partial halo to reach Earth early on Sunday morning. For more information, check out the original article on USA TODAY about the forecast for viewing the Northern Lights in over a dozen states in the US.
