Map Shows Where Northern Lights Could Dazzle Skies After Solar Flare
Summary
A strong solar flare and a cloud of charged particles from the sun could cause a moderate geomagnetic storm on Earth later this week. This may lead to visible Northern Lights in parts of the northern United States and Canada during nighttime.Key Facts
- On August 25, the sun released a powerful M6.9 solar flare from sunspot 4513.
- Along with the flare, a coronal mass ejection (CME) — a large cloud of charged solar material — was sent toward Earth.
- Scientists expect the CME to possibly hit Earth around August 27 or 28, which could trigger a geomagnetic storm.
- The NOAA forecasts minor to moderate geomagnetic storm conditions, called G1 to G2 levels, during this period.
- At G2 storm strength, Northern Lights may be visible as far south as New York and Idaho, near 55 degrees geomagnetic latitude.
- Northern states like Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and parts of northern New England have the best chance to see the lights, along with Alaska and Canada.
- Clear, dark skies away from city lights are needed to see the Northern Lights well.
- Solar flares are bursts of radiation, while CMEs are clouds of solar material that can disrupt Earth's magnetic field.
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