New York (AP) – Aurora may resemble part of the US on Monday night, following the solar storm over the weekend.
The sun emitted a substantial burst of energy last week, known as a coronal mass ejection, prompting space weather experts to issue a rare and serious Solar Storm Alert. Although the intensity was not as significant as last year’s record, another wave approaching Earth on Monday could lead to increased aurora sightings.
Authorities are keeping an eye on potential disruptions, although the worst has already passed. The weekend’s storm could have caused brief disturbances in high-frequency radio transmissions, according to Erica Grow, spokesperson for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Auroras can be spotted in areas such as Alaska, Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Maine, Idaho, Wyoming, Iowa, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and especially in dark, rural locations.
Here’s what you should know about auroras and how to locate them:
What is an Aurora?
The sun is currently at its peak in the 11-Year Activity Cycle, causing the light to be more pronounced and widespread. Colorful auroras illuminate the night sky in unexpected locations, captivating space weather experts.
Last spring, the strongest geomagnetic storm in 20 years struck Earth, resulting in light displays across the Northern Hemisphere. Last fall, dazzling lights appeared in unexpected areas such as Germany, the UK, New England, and New York City, catching skywatchers off guard far from the Arctic.
Auroras, known as the Northern Lights and Southern Lights, are typically visible near the poles, where charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s atmosphere.
Skywatchers have reported sightings of these lights much further into the US and Europe as the sun experiences significant activity. Every 11 years, the poles shift locations, causing magnetic disruptions along the way.
However, intense storms can interrupt radio and GPS communications.
According to NASA and NOAA, active solar eruptions are expected to continue through the end of the year, with solar activity anticipated to peak in the coming months.
What Does a Solar Storm Do?
Solar storms bring more than just colorful light to Earth.
If rapidly moving particles and plasma enter Earth’s magnetic field, they can temporarily disrupt power grids. Additionally, space weather can affect air traffic control communications and satellites in orbit.
In 1859, a significant solar storm caused the Northern Lights to be seen as far south as Hawaii, damaging telegraph lines in a rare event. The solar storm of 1972 had the potential to trigger a magnetic mine off the coast of Vietnam.
Experts in space weather are unable to predict solar storms weeks in advance, advising necessary parties to prepare before solar explosions reach Earth.
How to See the Aurora
You can check aurora predictions on the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center website or via the Aurora Prediction App.
For optimal viewing, find a quiet, dark location away from city lights. Experts recommend visiting local and national parks for the best experience. Also, be sure to check the weather forecast, as clouds can obstruct your view.
Taking pictures with a smartphone camera can capture hints of the aurora that might be invisible to the naked eye.
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Source: apnews.com