Aurora Displays to Light Up More U.S. States Tonight
A strong solar storm headed to Earth could produce colorful aurora displays across more U.S. states than usual Tuesday night.
The sun earlier this week burped out huge bursts of energy called coronal mass ejections, leading space weather forecasters to issue a geomagnetic storm watch.
Where and When to See the Aurora Displays
Northern lights were forecast in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
- Parts of northern Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania may also get a view.
How the Solar Storm Will Affect the Light Displays
The strength of the light show will depend on how Earth's magnetic field interacts with the solar bursts, said Shawn Dahl at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center.
What Are Northern Lights?
The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread.
Colorful northern lights have decorated night skies in unexpected places and space weather experts say there are more auroras still to come.
How Rare Is It for Solar Storms to Affect More Places?
Last spring, the strongest geomagnetic storm in two decades slammed Earth, producing light displays across the Northern Hemisphere.
And last fall, a powerful solar storm dazzled skygazers far from the Arctic Circle when dancing lights appeared in unexpected places including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England, and New York City.
The Science Behind Solar Storms
Aurora displays known as the northern and southern lights are commonly visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth's atmosphere.
Skygazers are spotting the lights deeper into the United States and Europe because the sun is going through a major facelift.
Every 11 years, its poles swap places, causing magnetic twists and tangles along the way.
The Risks Associated with Solar Storms
Solar storms can bring more than colorful lights to Earth.
- When fast-moving particles and plasma slam into Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt the power grid.
- Space weather can also interfere with air traffic control radio and satellites in orbit.
How to Prepare for Solar Storms
Space weather experts aren’t able to predict a solar storm months in advance.
Instead, they alert relevant parties to prepare in the days before a solar outburst hits Earth.
How to See Auroras and Take Pictures
Northern lights forecasts can be found on NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or an aurora forecasting app.
- Consider aurora-watching in a quiet, dark area away from city lights.
- NASA's Kelly Korreck recommended skygazing from a local or national park.
A Final Message from the Experts
“Enjoy it,” said Korreck. “It’s this great show ... from the sun to you.”
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