Aurora Borealis Expected to Be More Active Than They Have in Decades

Aurora Can Often Be Observed Somewhere on Earth

The aurora borealis, or northern lights, are expected to be more active than they have in decades. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for May 11-13, 2024, with a possibility of strong geomagnetic storms. This means that the northern lights could be visible as far south as the northern United States.

Northern Lights Visible From Within About 60 Miles of the Magnetic North Pole

The northern lights are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's magnetic field. The particles are drawn to the magnetic poles, where they collide with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere, causing them to emit light. The northern lights can be seen in a variety of colors, including green, red, blue, and purple.

The northern lights are usually only visible from within about 60 miles of the magnetic north pole. However, during geomagnetic storms, the lights can be seen much farther south. The best time to see the northern lights is during the winter months, when the nights are longer and the sky is darker.

The Latest Solar Wind and Interplanetary Magnetic Field

You can check the latest solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field conditions at the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center website. This website provides real-time data on the solar wind and IMF, as well as forecasts for geomagnetic storms.