A striking celestial display is poised to light up the night skies for millions across the United States as a potent solar storm makes its approach, beginning Tuesday, 11 November. Scientists predict that the aurora borealis , commonly known as the northern lights , will be visible in at least 21 states, with the spectacle lasting into the early hours of Wednesday, 12 November.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ) forecasts that the lights will be most readily observed between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Central Time, providing a window of nearly twelve hours for skywatchers . This rare event offers a vivid reminder of the delicate interplay between Earth and its parent star, as charged solar particles collide with the planet’s magnetic field to produce the swirling colours that have fascinated observers for centuries.
Where to see the lights
According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, residents in the following states may catch a glimpse of the aurora:
Understanding the phenomenon
The northern lights are the visible manifestation of interactions between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetosphere. Plasma from the Sun streams toward Earth, where charged particles are guided along magnetic field lines toward the polar regions. When these particles collide with gases in the atmosphere, they emit light, producing the spectacular displays that have been recorded and celebrated across cultures for millennia.
In recent years, NOAA and the National Weather Service have provided increasingly precise forecasts of auroral activity, allowing skywatchers to plan for these fleeting events. The upcoming display is notable not only for its expected breadth, spanning nearly two dozen states, but also for the opportunity it affords the public to witness first-hand the dynamic forces at work in near-Earth space.
A rare sight
For many, the northern lights remain a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even in northern states, the display can be elusive, depending on cloud cover and the intensity of geomagnetic activity . This event underscores both the power of the Sun and the responsiveness of Earth’s magnetic shield, offering a vivid, natural spectacle that marries science with wonder.
Skywatchers are advised to dress warmly and allow their eyes to adjust to darkness, enhancing the chances of spotting the aurora. With the lights expected to persist into Wednesday morning, residents from Alaska to Wisconsin have a rare opportunity to witness a natural phenomenon that, for centuries, has inspired awe and scientific curiosity alike.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ) forecasts that the lights will be most readily observed between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Central Time, providing a window of nearly twelve hours for skywatchers . This rare event offers a vivid reminder of the delicate interplay between Earth and its parent star, as charged solar particles collide with the planet’s magnetic field to produce the swirling colours that have fascinated observers for centuries.
Where to see the lights
According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, residents in the following states may catch a glimpse of the aurora:
- Alaska
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Wyoming
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Understanding the phenomenon
The northern lights are the visible manifestation of interactions between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetosphere. Plasma from the Sun streams toward Earth, where charged particles are guided along magnetic field lines toward the polar regions. When these particles collide with gases in the atmosphere, they emit light, producing the spectacular displays that have been recorded and celebrated across cultures for millennia.
In recent years, NOAA and the National Weather Service have provided increasingly precise forecasts of auroral activity, allowing skywatchers to plan for these fleeting events. The upcoming display is notable not only for its expected breadth, spanning nearly two dozen states, but also for the opportunity it affords the public to witness first-hand the dynamic forces at work in near-Earth space.
A rare sight
For many, the northern lights remain a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even in northern states, the display can be elusive, depending on cloud cover and the intensity of geomagnetic activity . This event underscores both the power of the Sun and the responsiveness of Earth’s magnetic shield, offering a vivid, natural spectacle that marries science with wonder.
Skywatchers are advised to dress warmly and allow their eyes to adjust to darkness, enhancing the chances of spotting the aurora. With the lights expected to persist into Wednesday morning, residents from Alaska to Wisconsin have a rare opportunity to witness a natural phenomenon that, for centuries, has inspired awe and scientific curiosity alike.
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