Get ready for a spectacular Thanksgiving treat! This year, the holiday feast might be accompanied by a celestial light show. Solar storms are predicted to bring faint auroras, also known as the Northern Lights, across the northern United States on Thursday and Friday.
While the intensity of the auroras remains uncertain, NOAA meteorologist Mike Bettwy suggests that several northern states are prime viewing locations. The best chances for sightings appear to be in Washington, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. Northern portions of Idaho, Wyoming, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire may also experience this celestial spectacle.
The optimal viewing window is estimated to be between 10 p.m. EST Thursday and 1 a.m. EST Friday. However, this is just a prediction; the actual display’s timing could vary depending on the solar storm’s strength. For the most up-to-date forecasts, it is advisable to check NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website or a dedicated aurora forecasting app as the event approaches.
To maximize your chances of witnessing these beautiful lights, find a location with clear, dark skies, ideally far away from the light pollution of city centers. Interestingly, even a smartphone camera can capture faint auroral activity that may be imperceptible to the naked eye. This enhances your chances of seeing the show, even if your eyesight alone might not be enough.
This increased auroral activity is linked to the sun currently being in the maximum phase of its 11-year solar cycle. This period, which is expected to continue for at least another year, makes solar flares and auroras a more frequent phenomenon. The sun recently emitted a powerful pulse of high-energy plasma towards Earth, further bolstering the potential for stunning displays. While scientists won’t definitively know the peak of this solar activity for several months, NASA and NOAA expect it to remain active for the foreseeable future.
It’s important to note that experts currently don’t anticipate any significant communication disruptions from this week’s solar storm. However, it’s a reminder of the sun’s powerful influence on our planet. Remember the rare severe geomagnetic storm warning issued by NOAA in May, the strongest in over two decades, which painted the Northern Hemisphere with vibrant auroras. Last month’s powerful solar storm even surprised many by causing auroras visible in unexpected places such as Germany, the United Kingdom, New England, and even New York City! This Thanksgiving, get ready to experience the magic of nature’s own light show.
