Aurora enthusiasts have a special reason to celebrate this week, as a solar storm is predicted to reach Earth, creating vibrant displays of the northern lights during Thanksgiving and Black Friday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) believes this colorful spectacle, known as the aurora borealis, will be observable from various northern U.S. locations.
The anticipated show is due to a coronal mass ejection that is currently en route to Earth, leading NOAA to issue a geomagnetic storm watch for Thursday and Friday. Although the storm poses some minimal risks to satellites, GPS systems, and power grids, it promises to bring extra excitement for those looking to enjoy the glowing auroras after their Thanksgiving festivities.
NOAA has categorized the storm as a minor G1 intensity on Thursday and a moderate G2 intensity on Friday. While this storm lacks the intensity of the G4-level storm that occurred earlier in October, it is expected to illuminate auroras across a broader region than usual, thanks to its interaction with Earth’s magnetosphere.
Typically, the northern lights are best viewed around the magnetic poles, with Alaska being a prime location. However, this solar storm should allow for sightings farther south in the United States, particularly in northern and upper Midwest states, including New York, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Indiana, and Maryland. The auroras may even be spotted on the horizon in these areas, depending on local weather and light pollution.
For those interested in catching this celestial display, the most opportune moments to view the northern lights will likely occur within one to two hours of midnight, provided that weather conditions are favorable. It is advisable to seek out areas away from city lights to enhance visibility. NOAA also provides an aurora dashboard to help interested observers keep track of the phenomenon’s activity.
The northern lights are a striking result of charged particles from space colliding with atmospheric gases, a process that creates beautiful hues of green, red, and even blue. As solar activity reaches its peak in an 11-year cycle, the chances of witnessing these wonders are increasing, with success predicted to continue into 2025.
This Thanksgiving weekend holds the promise of a magical night, combining the warmth of family gatherings with the potential for nature’s breathtaking light show. Seeing the northern lights can be a reminder of the beautiful wonders our universe holds, leaving many with a sense of awe and appreciation for the natural world.
In summary, Thanksgiving this year offers a unique opportunity for aurora watchers, with the likelihood of spectacular northern lights visible across a broader region. As NASA and NOAA predict continued solar activity, skywatchers can look forward to more chances to behold this enchanting display in the future.