A powerful solar storm is expected to bring vibrant northern lights to much of the northern United States Tuesday night, offering a rare chance to witness auroras far from the Arctic. The storm, triggered by a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun earlier this week, prompted NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center to issue a geomagnetic storm watch.
Aurora sightings are forecast in states such as Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Additionally, parts of Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, New York, and Pennsylvania could see the glow, depending on how Earth’s magnetic field interacts with the solar material.
“The visibility will vary based on local conditions and the strength of the storm when it hits,” said Shawn Dahl, space weather forecaster at NOAA.
The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, a period marked by intense solar activity, including flares and CMEs. As a result, auroras have become more frequent and widespread, reaching places far from the poles.
Earlier storms during this cycle produced colorful light displays across the Northern Hemisphere, with lights spotted as far south as Germany, the U.K., and New York City. Similar events are expected throughout the year as the solar maximum continues.
While stunning, solar storms also carry risks. Charged particles from the sun can disrupt power grids, satellite operations, and GPS signals. NOAA and NASA closely monitor these events, issuing alerts when storms are likely to impact Earth.
For those hoping to see the auroras, experts recommend heading to a dark, open area away from city lights, such as a local or national park. Forecast updates are available through NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center or aurora tracking apps.
“This is one of nature’s most beautiful displays,” said NASA’s Kelly Korreck. “Take a moment to enjoy it — it’s the sun putting on a show just for you.”
Source: AP/ UNB
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
