Aurora Forecast: Northern Lights Expected Across the US
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center reports an ongoing strong geomagnetic storm. Known as the aurora borealis or northern lights, this natural light display is anticipated across northern parts of the United States, potentially visible as far south as some central states.
Geographic Range for Aurora Visibility
The highest chances of seeing the aurora stretch from New York in the east to Washington state in the west. The forecast also includes southern extensions reaching Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa, according to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
Factors Affecting Aurora Sightings
- The visibility depends on the storm’s intensity and weather conditions.
- The clearer the night sky and the stronger the geomagnetic activity, the better the chance to see the northern lights.
Details of the Geomagnetic Storm
Early Thursday, NOAA classified the storm as a "G3" event on a scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme).
"A larger disturbance in Earth's magnetic field. It can vary in intensity between lower levels and strong storm conditions over hours to a day during the event duration."
Potential Impact of the Storm
Besides making the northern lights more visible, strong geomagnetic storms can disrupt technology by causing power grid fluctuations and satellite interference, which may impact GPS systems.
Summary
An intense geomagnetic storm is enhancing the chance to see northern lights across much of the US, while also posing risks to power and satellite technologies.