Aurora enthusiasts have something to celebrate this Thanksgiving as a solar storm is predicted to light up the Northern Hemisphere with stunning displays of the northern lights. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), these vibrant auroras, known as the aurora borealis, will be visible on Thanksgiving and Black Friday in parts of the northern United States.
The spectacular light show is a result of a coronal mass ejection (CME) headed towards Earth, prompting NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center to issue a geomagnetic storm watch for both Thursday and Friday. While the solar storm may pose minimal risks to satellites, GPS signals, and power grids, it also promises to offer Thanksgiving festivities additional excitement after traditional celebrations have concluded. Due to the interaction between solar particles and Earth’s magnetosphere, this solar eruption is expected to make the northern lights visible over a broader area than usual.
NOAA has been monitoring the CME since its explosion from the sun earlier in the week, and they classify the upcoming storm as relatively minor— a G1 level on Thursday and reaching G2 intensity on Friday. While this storm isn’t as powerful as a previous G4 storm in October, it should still illuminate the skies with striking colors.
The auroras are typically best viewed near the magnetic poles, but this storm’s strength may allow sightings in more southern locations. Cities that may witness the northern lights include Boise, Idaho; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Lincoln, Nebraska; Indianapolis; and Annapolis, Maryland, depending on local weather and light pollution conditions.
For those eager to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder, the optimal viewing time is typically around midnight when conditions are clear. Escaping urban areas for locations without light pollution will enhance the experience. NOAA provides an aurora dashboard to help enthusiasts monitor the phenomenon.
The northern lights occur when electrically charged particles from solar activity collide with atmospheric gases, resulting in colorful displays as the particles release energy in the form of light. With the sun currently at its peak activity in its 11-year cycle, the increasing solar phenomena create ideal conditions for more frequent displays of the northern lights. This solar maximum is expected to last until 2025, offering numerous opportunities for sky gazers to admire this extraordinary display.
This Thanksgiving, as families gather around the dinner table, there’s a special chance to witness the beauty of the universe. The promise of vibrant lights dancing across the sky adds an inspiring note to the holiday, reminding us of the wonders that exist beyond our everyday lives.
Summary: A solar storm is set to create beautiful northern lights across the Northern Hemisphere on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, thanks to a coronal mass ejection. The display should be visible even in areas further south than typical, making for a unique holiday spectacle. Optimism surrounds the potential for continued aurora displays as solar activity peaks leading into 2025.