Janice R. Andrews
Look up at the heavens! This weekend, a rare and spectacular celestial show known as the northern lights, or aurora borealis, might be seen in some regions of the United States. The Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its most recent solar forecast, which coincides perfectly with the Perseid meteor shower. Solar activity is predicted to reach levels high enough that the aurora might be visible much farther south than usual.
🌌 What Do the Northern Lights Stand for?
One of the most amazing natural occurrences is the northern lights, a brilliant display of colours that dances over the night sky. These lights, which are referred to as the aurora borealis in science, are generated when charged solar particles hit with atmospheric gases. Vibrant, luminous patterns that may light up the sky in shades of green, pink, and purple are produced by this interaction.
The chance to see the lights in all their colourful brilliance this weekend comes only a few months after a geomagnetic storm in May that made it possible for people as far south as Alabama to see them. According to the present prognosis, there may be another incident of this kind coming up.
Where the Northern Lights May Be Visible
The greatest locations to observe the northern lights are usually those close to the magnetic poles of the Earth, such Alaska, Canada, or Scandinavia. However, these lights may be seen far further south at times of high solar activity. According to the SWPC’s geomagnetic storm alert for this weekend, there’s a chance that residents in a few different U.S. states may see some lights.
The following states may view the northern lights if the forecast comes true:
- North-east: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York
- Midwest: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, South Dakota, and North Dakota
- North-west: Northeastern Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming
Although it could be possible to view the lights in Washington, recent wildfire smoke may make it difficult to see.
📱 A Few Tricks to See the Northern Lights
Locate a dark area away from city lights to increase your chances of witnessing the northern lights. When the sky is at its darkest, which is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., is the ideal time to look. Even though you might be tempted to just take in the scenery, don’t forget to take a picture with your smartphone. Long-exposure features on modern phones allow them to pick up on dim light that your eyes might miss. Therefore, even if the lights are invisible to the unaided eye, a snap picture may capture their breathtaking colours.
💫 Perseid Meteor Shower: A Twin Heavenly Delight
The Perseid meteor shower peaks this weekend, as if the northern lights weren’t enough. At its height, up to 100 shooting stars may be seen each hour during this yearly occurrence, making it one of the most well-liked meteor showers of the year. The hours of midnight to dawn are the greatest times for anyone in the Northern Hemisphere to see the Perseids.
It’s better to watch the Perseid meteor shower without electronics, unlike the northern lights. Give your eyes 45 minutes to acclimatise to the darkness so you can take in the natural display without being distracted by lights or bright displays.
There is a unique chance to see not one, but two of nature’s most breathtaking light displays this weekend. Make sure to get outdoors, gaze up, and enjoy the marvels of the night sky whether you’re in the line of the northern lights or hoping to witness the Perseid meteor shower.
