The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted that the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, will be visible in several northern US states on Saturday night. The best views are expected in Alaska and along the northern border in Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
The northern lights are a natural light display in the Earth’s sky, caused by electrically charged particles from space entering the Earth’s atmosphere and colliding with molecules and gases like oxygen and nitrogen. This collision causes the atmospheric particles to gain energy, which is then released in the form of light.
The aurora borealis can be observed from locations with low light pollution, and the best time to see it is usually within an hour or two of midnight, according to NOAA. The agency also maintains an aurora dashboard that helps skygazers track the phenomenon.
The sun is currently at a peak of its 11-year cycle of magnetic activity, creating more opportunities to see the northern lights. A coronal mass ejection (CME) was ejected by the sun on Friday, which is expected to arrive at Earth early Sunday morning, according to NOAA.
To increase the chances of seeing the northern lights, it’s essential to find a location with minimal light pollution. Cities and urban areas can make it difficult to see the aurora, so it’s recommended to travel to dark locations with clear skies.
NOAA’s aurora forecast provides a useful tool for tracking the phenomenon. The forecast shows the likelihood of aurora activity, as well as the expected intensity of the display.
In addition to the states mentioned earlier, other areas where the northern lights might be visible include Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, northern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and New England.
- While the forecast is promising, it’s essential to remember that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, and their appearance can be unpredictable. However, with the right conditions and a clear sky, Saturday night could provide a spectacular display of the aurora borealis.
