Article Summary
After recent solar storms, the Northern lights might be visible in parts of the U.S. on Monday night. The sun unleashed a significant burst of energy, leading to a rare, severe solar storm alert. Another solar storm is following the first one, increasing the chances of aurora sightings. Auroras could be visible in states like Alaska, Washington, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Maine and others. This phenomenon is more common and widespread due to the sun being at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle.
What This Means for You
- Be prepared for possible aurora sightings in the U.S. on Monday night, especially if you are in a rural area.
- Experience the visual delight of auroras by looking for them in less populated regions, away from city lights, preferably in local or national parks.
- Monitor Northern lights forecasts through NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or aurora forecasting apps.
- Take pictures with your smartphone; they might reveal aurora hints that your eyes can’t see.
- A geomagnetic storm can temporarily disrupt the power grid and interference with satellite signals, so stay updated on solar storm forecasts.
Northern lights could be visible again in some US states after weekend solar storms
NEW YORK — Northern lights may be visible in parts of the U.S. Monday night following weekend solar storms. The sun burped out a huge burst of energy called a coronal mass ejection last week, prompting space weather forecasters to issue a rare, severe solar storm alert on Sunday.
Authorities are monitoring for possible disruptions, though the worst is already over. The weekend’s storms may have caused brief disruptions to high-frequency radio, said Erica Grow Cei, a spokesperson with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Auroras could be visible in Alaska, Washington, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Maine, and northern parts of Idaho, Wyoming, Iowa, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire.
Here’s what to know about auroras and how to spot them.
The sun is at the maximum phase of its 11-year activity cycle, making the light displays more common and widespread. 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.
People Also Ask About
- What causes the Northern lights? A: The Northern lights are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s atmosphere.
- Can I see the Northern lights from the lower 48 states? A: Yes, under certain conditions, it is possible to see auroras in the lower 48 states, especially in the northern parts.
- Does the phase of the 11-year activity cycle affect the Northern lights visibility? A: Yes, the sun’s activity cycle impacts aurora visibility, with more frequent and widespread displays occurring during the maximum phase.
- Can city lights interfere with viewing the Northern lights? A: Yes, city lights and light pollution can make it difficult to see auroras, so it is recommended to view them in darker, rural areas.
Expert Opinion
While solar storms offer enchanting displays of the Northern lights, they also have critical implications for technology and infrastructure. It is essential for space weather experts and authorities to monitor these storms closely, ensuring adequate preparation in case of possible disruptions to power grids, satellite signals, or radio communications.
Key Terms
- Northern lights
- Solar storms
- Coronal mass ejection
- 11-year activity cycle
- Aurora
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