Aurora enthusiasts have exciting news this Thanksgiving, as a solar storm is expected to reach Earth, offering a chance to witness vibrant northern lights in the Northern Hemisphere. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts that the dazzling aurora borealis could be visible in various parts of the northern United States on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
This colorful display, featuring shades of green and red, will be triggered by a coronal mass ejection directed toward Earth. The event has led NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center to issue a geomagnetic storm watch for Thursday and Friday. While the solar storm may pose a minimal risk to satellites, GPS systems, and power grids, it might add some extra holiday cheer after football games and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade have concluded. This particular storm is expected to allow for visibility of the auroras across a broader area than usual, thanks to the interaction of solar particles with Earth’s magnetosphere.
NOAA has been monitoring the coronal mass ejection since Sunday, signaling the potential for a geomagnetic storm. The storm is currently classified as a minor G1 level on Thursday, escalating to a moderate G2 level on Friday. While this event may not be as intense as the G4-level storm that occurred on October 10, it remains promising for aurora viewing across the Northern Hemisphere.
Auroras are most effectively seen near Earth’s magnetic poles, particularly in regions such as Alaska, which is renowned for its clear views. However, with the incoming storm, the auroras may be visible further south, extending to some northern and upper Midwest states, including New York and Idaho. Specific cities where residents might catch a glimpse include Boise, Idaho; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Lincoln, Nebraska; Indianapolis; and Annapolis, Maryland. The visibility will also depend on local weather and light pollution.
For those eager to enjoy the northern lights, the ideal viewing times are typically around midnight, provided the skies are clear. To maximize the experience, it’s best to venture away from city lights to find darker locations.
The northern lights result from electrically charged particles colliding with atmospheric gases, generating light as the particles return to their normal state. The colors displayed, which can range from green to red to pink, depend on the altitude of the collisions and the atmosphere’s composition.
As the sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year cycle, increased solar activity is expected to lead to more frequent northern lights in the coming years. This solar maximum is projected to last until 2025, which means that aurora enthusiasts will have plenty of opportunities to witness these magical displays over the next few years.
In summary, this Thanksgiving offers a unique chance for many people to experience the breathtaking beauty of the northern lights, providing a delightful and natural spectacle to complement the holiday celebrations. The upcoming solar storm serves as a reminder of the wonders of our universe and the myriad ways in which nature can enhance our seasonal festivities.