- By Deeksha Gour
- Fri, 11 Oct 2024 02:09 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Northern Lights In 2024: A remarkable solar storm is on its way to Earth, bringing the potential for breathtaking displays of the northern lights or aurora borealis, across much of the northern hemisphere. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G4 geomagnetic storm watch, indicating one of the strongest levels of solar activity. This storm is expected to reach Earth by midday Thursday.
The auroras, typically seen in polar regions, may now be visible in areas far beyond their usual range. Stargazers in locations from Scotland to East Anglia have already begun capturing images of this stunning phenomenon and reports suggest that the northern lights have been visible in various parts of the United States.
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In the U.S., places like the Eastern Sierra mountains in California, Lewes in Delaware, St. Joseph by Lake Michigan and Falmouth in Maine witnessed the dazzling light show. Some observers even spotted the auroras as far south as Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Initially, forecasters believed the auroras would only be visible as far south as the Midlands, but the display exceeded those expectations.
When and Where to See the Northern Lights
The G4 storm watch indicates that the auroras may be visible across large parts of the northern U.S., offering a rare chance for residents to experience this natural wonder. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center mentioned that if the storm reaches its predicted strength, the northern lights may be seen directly overhead in states like Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin.
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Depending on local weather conditions and light pollution, the auroras might even extend as far south as Alabama and northern California. The Kp index of the storm is predicted to be 8, which suggests that the auroras will be particularly bright and active.
Understanding the Northern Lights
The northern lights are caused by solar activity. When the sun releases bursts of plasma and charged particles known as coronal mass ejections they can interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating this stunning light display. While geomagnetic storms can disrupt power grids and GPS signals, they also provide a unique opportunity for aurora enthusiasts to marvel at nature’s beauty.
