The northern lights may make an appearance in North Carolina on Monday night, bringing a rare opportunity for local residents to experience this stunning natural phenomenon. Tony Rice, a NASA ambassador and WRAL contributor, initially raised awareness about this potential sighting on Sunday night.
According to the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, a geomagnetic storm approaching Earth could reach G4 status, a level that typically allows the auroras to be visible at lower latitudes, including North Carolina. This geomagnetic storm occurs as a result of a coronal mass ejection, also known as a solar flare, interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. The stronger the interaction, the higher the G-level and the farther south the auroras can be seen.
Rice shared that recent magnetometer images show a clear halo from the coronal mass ejection, which adds some confidence to the potential for sightings. However, he emphasized the importance of managing expectations, noting that, while a G4 storm increases the likelihood of visibility, “weather forecasting on Earth is hard enough; predicting space weather is even more challenging.”
Historically, a G4 storm has led to the aurora being spotted in North Carolina, though residents should temper their expectations on experiencing the same vivid displays common in Canada, Alaska, and Scandinavia. For the best chance to see the phenomenon, it’s recommended to find a location with a clear view of the northern horizon and to utilize the Night Mode setting on your phone for optimal photography. Projections suggest that 11 p.m. might be the peak viewing time, but those willing to brave the cold may find opportunities even earlier.
If anyone captures a remarkable photograph of the northern lights, they are encouraged to share it with the community through Report It. This potential display not only stirs excitement but also serves as a reminder of the beauty and unpredictability of our universe.