NEW YORK (AP) — Solar storms may provide a dazzling display of northern lights in several northern U.S. states just in time for the new year. The sun has released two bursts of plasma hurtling toward Earth, expected to reach our planet early this week, as reported by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The arrival of these plasma bursts may ignite colorful auroras on Monday and Tuesday nights in various states, including Washington, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. Additionally, parts of Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Iowa, and New York could also witness this celestial phenomenon.
NOAA’s space weather forecaster Shawn Dahl suggested that the early morning hours of Tuesday, while it is still dark, offer the best opportunity to witness this natural light show. For updated forecasts and further information as the event approaches, individuals can visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or utilize an aurora forecasting app.
To catch a glimpse of this spectacle, observers are advised to wait for clear, dark skies and venture outside, ideally away from bright city lights. In addition, using a smartphone camera may reveal subtle auroral hints that are not discernible to the naked eye.
The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year cycle, resulting in more frequent solar surges and northern lights. This active period is anticipated to continue for at least another year, though the exact peak of solar activity may only be determined months after the fact by scientists.
NOAA is closely monitoring this week’s solar storms for potential minor disruptions to high-frequency radio communications, which are vital for use by airlines and amateur radio operators. In May, NOAA issued a rare severe geomagnetic storm warning, marking the strongest storm in over two decades, leading to striking light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. Additionally, in October, a potent solar storm captivated onlookers far from the Arctic Circle, with auroras appearing unexpectedly in various locations, including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England, and New York City.
