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Rare Northern Lights Display Predicted for Northern US Tonight
8 Aug
Summary
- Burst of solar energy and fast-moving solar wind heading towards Earth
- Geomagnetic storm expected to trigger aurora borealis display
- 18 northern US states may have a chance to see the northern lights
According to the latest forecasts, sky watchers across the northern United States may be in for a rare treat tonight. A burst of solar energy, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), and fast-moving solar wind are heading towards Earth, and this is expected to trigger a geomagnetic storm that could make the northern lights, or aurora borealis, visible in parts of the country.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the UK Met Office believe the CME could arrive around 8 a.m. EDT on August 8, though the exact timing is uncertain. While forecasters expect only a glancing hit from the CME, even a small impact can disturb Earth's magnetic field, which is what causes the aurora to appear.
The Kp index, which measures geomagnetic activity on a scale of 0 to 9, may reach 5 or 6 tonight. This means the northern lights could be visible as far south as 18 states, including Alaska, Montana, Minnesota, and New York. The farther north you are in these states, the better your chances of seeing the colorful display. However, auroras can be unpredictable, so the lights may stretch beyond the forecast or barely show at all.
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If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, experts recommend getting away from city lights and finding a dark, open spot with a clear view to the north. The best viewing is often around 2 a.m., but it's worth checking the skies as soon as it gets dark, as the storm's timing is uncertain.
