Interested in witnessing a mesmerizing light show for free? Well, here’s your chance, but remember, nature’s performance can be unpredictable. The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are anticipated to be visible on Saturday night, with slightly dimmer visibility expected on Sunday, as per a forecast by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. The prime viewing spots will be in approximately half of the states, particularly along the northern border and in the Midwest. According to the agency’s forecast, “Aurora can often be observed somewhere on Earth from just after sunset or just before sunrise. The aurora does not need to be directly overhead but can be observed from as much as 1000 km away when the aurora is bright and if conditions are right.” Wondering where you can catch a glimpse of the northern lights? Experts suggest that the darkest areas are always the best locations to witness the aurora borealis. Depending on local conditions, optimal views are anticipated in Alaska and along the northern border in states such as Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, as noted in the NOAA forecast. Other states with potential sightings include Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, northern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and New England. When is the best time to view the northern lights? Forecasting this natural phenomenon accurately has always posed a challenge for experts. Even with the best predictions, the occurrence can typically be foreseen only a few days or even hours in advance. However, as a general rule, when the weather is clear, the best aurora displays are usually visible within an hour or two of midnight, according to NOAA. If there’s a likelihood that the northern lights will be active in your area, it’s recommended to head away from cities and venture to dark, light pollution-free locations for the optimal viewing experience. The agency also offers an aurora dashboard to assist skygazers in tracking the phenomenon. ***”Catch the Dazzling Northern Lights: Here’s Where and When to Witness the Spectacle”*** The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural light display in the sky that is most prominently seen in high-latitude regions of the Northern and Southern hemispheres. This mesmerizing phenomenon occurs when electrically charged particles from space enter Earth’s atmosphere and interact with molecules and gases like oxygen and nitrogen, energizing the atmospheric particles. To revert to their normal state, these particles emit light, creating the stunning auroras. As auroras take shape, Earth’s magnetic field guides the particles towards the poles, resulting in a breathtaking exhibition of rays, spirals, and flickers that have captivated humans for generations. The colors seen in the sky, ranging from green and red to blue and even pink, depend on
The sun released a coronal mass of plasma and magnetic field last Friday, as reported by NOAA. This celestial event is hurtling towards Earth at a speed of almost 750,000 mph. NOAA predicts that a quick but subtle partial halo will reach Earth by early Sunday morning. For more information about the forecast for Auroras in various US states, check out the original article on USA TODAY.
