Solar Storm Forecast to Bring Northern Lights to 17 American States
A solar storm forecasted for Thursday is expected to provide skygazers in 17 American states with a rare opportunity to witness the breathtaking phenomenon of the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, are a stunning display of colorful lights that occur when solar wind interacts with the Earth’s atmosphere.
Typically, the Northern Lights are most commonly observed in regions such as Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. However, due to an 11-year solar cycle expected to peak in 2024, these mesmerizing lights have become visible in areas farther south. Just three months ago, the Northern Lights were seen in Arizona, marking the occurrence of the third severe geomagnetic storm since the start of the current solar cycle in 2019.
According to the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, Thursday’s auroral activity is expected to be visible in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Maine, and Maryland. The forecast also predicts auroral activity in Canada, including Vancouver.
In specific locations, the Northern Lights will be visible overhead in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Helena, Montana. On the other hand, cities such as Salem, Oregon; Boise, Idaho; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Annapolis, Maryland; and Indianapolis can expect the lights to appear low on the horizon.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center advises individuals eager to witness the aurora to venture away from city lights. The optimal viewing times are between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
The Northern Lights occur due to the collision of a magnetic solar wind with the Earth’s magnetic field, causing atoms in the upper atmosphere to emit a vibrant glow. The lights appear suddenly and their intensity may vary.
For measuring auroral activity, a geomagnetic index called Kp is used, ranking it on a scale from zero to nine. A Kp value of zero suggests low activity, while nine indicates a bright and active display. The Geophysical Institute has predicted a Kp 6 for Thursday’s incoming storm.
Sky enthusiasts and nature lovers alike should seize this opportunity to witness the captivating Northern Lights. However, it is important to note that this article is copyrighted material, and any reproduction or distribution without permission is prohibited.
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