Northern Lights Expected Over Northern U.S. and Canada This Weekend
Similar Articles
Unusual High-Altitude Red Auroras Observed Above Japan
NASA Satellite Captures Complex Cloud Formations and Polar Low Off Alaska Coast
Satellite Observes Cloud Patterns and Polar Low Over Gulf of Alaska
NASA Telescope Detects Gamma Rays from Rare Supernova Powered by Magnetar
Global Nighttime Light Patterns Shift, Revealing Energy Efficiency Gains and Urban Growth
A geomagnetic storm is expected to create a strong display of the northern lights, or aurora borealis, over the northern United States and much of Canada on Saturday and Sunday nights. The phenomenon, caused by energized particles from space colliding with Earth's atmosphere, may be visible as far as 1,000 kilometers away from the strongest activity.
Facts First
- Aurora borealis forecast for northern U.S. and Canada this weekend, with the strongest display expected Saturday night.
- Caused by a geomagnetic storm from space particles colliding with Earth's atmosphere.
- Best viewed just after sunset or before sunrise where the aurora is directly overhead.
- Typically most visible in March and November in North America.
- Photographed recently in Kansas, indicating potential for sightings farther south than usual.
What Happened
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts that a geomagnetic storm will create a strong display of the northern lights, or aurora borealis, over the northern United States and much of Canada on Saturday and Sunday nights. The storm is expected to be at its strongest on Saturday night. The aurora consists of green, purple, and pink streaks in the night sky, a phenomenon NASA states results from high-energy space particles colliding with gas atoms in a planet's atmosphere near its magnetic pole.
Why this Matters to You
If you live in or can travel to the northern U.S. or Canada, you may have a rare opportunity to see the aurora borealis this weekend. The best sightings occur where the aurora is directly overhead, though it can potentially be seen from up to 1,000 kilometers away, which could bring it into view for more people. You will need to look just after sunset or just before sunrise, as the lights are not visible during the day. A recent photograph captured the lights in Kansas, suggesting viewing conditions might extend farther south than is typical.
What's Next
The geomagnetic activity is expected to peak on Saturday night, offering the best chance for a vivid display. After this weekend, the opportunity to see the aurora in North America may diminish until the next favorable seasonal window, which commonly occurs in March and November.