Parts of Midwest and Northeast States Could Witness Northern Lights
According to an alert sent by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, residents in parts of the Midwest and Northeast states may have the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing northern lights on Sunday night. The forecast suggests that even residents as far south as Nebraska and central Iowa might be able to see the aurora borealis, depending on the prevailing conditions. The expansion of the lights is attributed to a coronal mass ejection from the sun that has triggered a strong geomagnetic storm.
Coronal mass ejections, as described by NASA, are enormous bubbles of coronal plasma that are interwoven with intense magnetic field lines. They are ejected from the Sun over several hours and often resemble huge, twisted ropes. In some cases, these ejections accompany solar flares or explosions on the sun’s surface.
However, the viewing opportunity will diminish on Monday as the forecast indicates that the southernmost portion of the view line will only reach central Minnesota.
While the general public does not need to be concerned about the increase in geomagnetic activity, the Prediction Center has urged infrastructure operators to take necessary precautions to mitigate any possible impacts. The release also highlighted the potential impact on the power grid and spacecraft due to technological effects caused by the solar event.
The northern lights made an early appearance on Sunday morning in the Northwest and some parts of the country. Weather observers managed to capture stunning images of the lights in Washington and Wyoming. A photograph shared on Twitter by the National Weather Service in Riverton, Wyoming, showcased the breathtaking beauty of the aurora borealis.
Sunday may not be the only chance for the conditions to align for a southern appearance of the lights. Forecasters from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center have predicted that solar forces will peak at a higher, more intense level next year than previously anticipated. This announcement has raised hopes for more opportunities to witness the aurora borealis in the coming months, with Solar Cycle 25 expected to reach its peak between January and October 2024.
As skywatchers eagerly anticipate the glorious display of the northern lights, scientists and experts continue to study and provide insights into the intricacies of space weather. The fascinating celestial phenomenon serves as a reminder of the immense power and beauty of our solar system.
Contributing: Doyle Rice, USA TODAY