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Prepare to gaze skyward as a powerful solar storm is poised to illuminate the skies over more than a dozen U.S. states, potentially making the northern lights visible early this week.
For those residing in the northern half of the United States, the aurora borealis might soon make a vibrant appearance. A strong geomagnetic storm, classified as a G3, is anticipated on Tuesday, December 9, due to a substantial solar flare that unleashed a coronal mass ejection (CME). This surge of solar energy is rapidly traveling towards Earth, expected to arrive between Monday night and Tuesday, triggering disturbances in our planet’s magnetic field and resulting in the stunning natural light show.
Just last month, the northern lights dazzled observers across several states during a rare G4 geomagnetic storm. Such high-level alerts are uncommon, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) noting only four G4 alerts in the current solar cycle.
The NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts that this week’s aurora could stretch across many northern states and even reach parts of the lower Midwest and Oregon by Monday night.
As of Monday afternoon, the NOAA’s scale for forecasting geomagnetic activity, known as the “Kp” index, indicated a level six out of nine for Monday night’s aurora potential. This activity is projected to slightly decrease to a level five on Tuesday night, suggesting a promising view for northern lights enthusiasts.
As of 1 p.m. Eastern on Monday, the “Kp,” the scale the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses to measure the maximum forecasted geomagnetic activity, is a six on a scale from zero to nine for Monday night’s aurora forecast. It will decrease to a five for Tuesday night, according to the forecast.
Where will the northern lights be visible tonight?
More than a dozen states may have a chance to view the celestial phenomenon, according to the NOAA’s forecast. The predicted “view line,” or the southernmost spot where skygazers might still be able to view the northern lights, also includes states as far down as Illinois and Oregon.
- Alaska
- Idaho
- Illinois (Partially)
- Iowa
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon (Partially)
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Wyoming
- Washington
- Wisconsin
What causes the northern lights?
In layman’s terms, the sun is constantly shooting out charged particles. But sometimes, it emits a particularly violent stream of energy known as solar wind, during solar flares or “coronal mass ejections.”
When these energetic solar winds hit the Earth’s atmosphere, they collide with the gases in the upper atmosphere and charge them. As that energy dissipates, it lets out light that we can see.
The different gases produce different colors, which is why an aurora borealis can shift from green and blue to red and purple.
How to see auroras
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. And check the weather forecast because clouds can cover up the spectacle entirely.
Taking a picture with a smartphone camera may also reveal hints of the aurora that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
The Associated Press and WBNS’s Aaron White contributed to this report.
Click here to check the forecast for your area from your trusted local weather team.
