Solar Activity Brings Northern Lights to Part of the US this Thanksgiving Week
Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued for Thursday and Friday
As if Thanksgiving and Black Friday couldn’t be exciting enough, it appears some solar activity could bring the northern lights to part of the US to round out the holiday week. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for the next two days due to a filament eruption spotted on the Sun late Monday.
What’s Causing the Storm?
The eruption sparked a coronal mass ejection, or CME, that is expected to affect Earth, prompting the storm warnings. For Thursday, geomagnetic storming is forecasted to reach G1 strength (on a five-point scale) while Friday could see G2, or moderate, storming.
Best Viewing Areas
Current forecasting from the SWPC shows the strongest conditions could come between Thursday afternoon and into Friday morning, boding well for our chances of seeing the northern lights on the night of Thanksgiving. The SWPC only produces view line forecasts, like the one seen below, for the current and next day.
Northern Lights Forecast
Tonight’s forecast gives only Canada and Alaska a low likelihood of seeing the aurora, though some in portions of Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula may still catch a glimpse.
Thursday Night Forecast
Those within the red region – again, primarily Canada and Alaska – have the highest likelihood of seeing the northern lights. Those in the northernmost states also have a chance at catching the aurora. The best viewing, according to the current forecasting, appears to be in northern portions of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
What About Other Areas?
However, those near and north of the red view line seen on the forecast below may also be able to see the celestial show on their northern horizon. This includes parts of Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Conclusion
This forecast could change as the day goes on, depending on the activity in our atmosphere. If conditions strengthen, the aurora could appear even further south. If they weaken, fewer states may have a chance to see them. You can check the SWPC’s website for the latest forecasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a geomagnetic storm?
A: A geomagnetic storm occurs when a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field, causing a disturbance in the planet’s magnetic field.
Q: What is a G1 or G2 storm?
A: G1 and G2 refer to the strength of the geomagnetic storm, with G1 being a mild storm and G2 being a moderate storm.
Q: How can I see the northern lights if I’m not in the best viewing areas?
A: You can try using your phone to see the northern lights. Smartphones are better able to capture some of the faint colors that may appear with the aurora.
