Aurora enthusiasts have exciting news to celebrate this Thanksgiving: a solar storm is expected to arrive on Earth, illuminating the night sky with vibrant northern lights. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this captivating display of aurora borealis should be visible in parts of the northern United States on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
The anticipated light show is a result of a coronal mass ejection (CME) that is racing toward our planet. This has prompted NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center to issue a geomagnetic storm watch, reported to reach minimal threat levels for satellites and power grids. However, the event is likely to offer a spectacular alternative entertainment option after traditional Thanksgiving festivities, such as football games and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
NOAA has indicated that this solar storm, classified as a minor G1 intensity event on Thursday and a moderate G2 intensity on Friday, should enable the beams of the northern lights to be visible farther from the poles than usual. This presents a rare opportunity for residents in the northern and upper Midwest states, stretching from New York to Idaho, to catch a glimpse of the auroras.
Locations that may experience visibility include cities like Boise, Idaho; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Lincoln, Nebraska; Indianapolis; and Annapolis, Maryland. The intensity of the auroras will depend on local weather conditions, as well as light pollution in urban areas.
The best time to witness the northern lights is typically within an hour or two of midnight if the sky is clear. To enhance visibility, it is advisable to move to darker locations away from city lights. NOAA has also provided an aurora dashboard for skygazers to track these phenomenal displays.
The stunning auroras are the result of charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s atmosphere and interacting with atmospheric gases like oxygen and nitrogen. The release of energy during these collisions creates beautiful light effects that can manifest in various colors, depending on altitude and atmospheric conditions.
As the sun nears the peak of its 11-year cycle, an increase in solar activity is expected to provide more opportunities for auroras in the coming years. With NASA forecasting that this solar maximum will persist until 2025, it paves the way for aurora chasers to immerse themselves in the awe of nature’s colorful displays in the not-so-distant future.
In summary, Thanksgiving this year brings not just a day of feasting and gratitude, but also the potential to enjoy one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. As the solar storm reaches Earth, the promise of vibrant northern lights adds an extra layer of excitement to the holiday season.