From Solar Flare to Starlit Magic: The Aurora Borealis This Weekend

The Aurora Borealis Returns: A Spectacular Display Expected Through the Weekend

The northern lights are back, and this weekend promises a vibrant celestial show across parts of the U.S. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that several northern states will have the best views if skies remain clear.

What’s Behind the Aurora Borealis?

On January 20, the sun experienced a coronal mass ejection (CME), according to NASA. This event, caused by a medium-strength solar flare (M5.5-class), sent charged plasma particles hurtling toward Earth. These particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating the awe-inspiring auroras.

NOAA has classified the resulting geomagnetic storm as G2-level, which is considered “moderate.” While projections suggest a weekend-long display, forecasts could change as new data emerges.

Where to See the Northern Lights

States with the best views this weekend include:

Western U.S.: Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming.
Midwest: North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan.
Northeast: New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

The auroras are expected to be most vivid on Friday evening in areas like northern Iowa, northern New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. The peak of the solar storm will occur early Saturday, with the lights gradually fading Sunday night into Monday.

Earth’s Magnetic Shield at Work

Earth’s magnetic field acts as a protective shield, deflecting most solar winds. However, when stronger solar winds breach this barrier, the particles collide with atmospheric gases, producing the shimmering lights.

During rare, intense solar events, the auroras can be seen far beyond their usual range. A notable example occurred in 1958 when the northern lights were visible from Mexico City.

Why the Aurora Shines in Colors

The colors of the aurora depend on the type of gas interacting with the sun’s charged particles:

Green and red: Emitted by oxygen atoms.
Blue and purple: Caused by nitrogen.

Don’t Miss Out on Future Displays

If you miss the northern lights this weekend, don’t worry. The sun is currently in its solar maximum phase, the peak of its 11-year activity cycle. This means we can expect more frequent solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and geomagnetic storms in the coming years.

For now, enjoy this weekend’s cosmic light show and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies!