Aurora Borealis to Light Up the Northern US for the Next Few Nights

by


Ready for a nighttime skygazing excursion? Another display of the aurora borealis is coming, and people living in the northern part of the US should be able to see it, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The aurora is thanks to a coronal mass ejection that occurred on Jan. 22. 

NASA says the coronal mass ejection was an M5.5 class flare and it was ejected in a trajectory that puts it on a collision course with Earth. The resulting impact should take place over three days, if not longer, and progressively push the northern lights further into the US each day. 

Read more: Check Out These Breathtaking Northern Lights Photos From Aurora Watchers

NOAA is forecasting a G2-level geomagnetic storm, categorized as a “moderate” storm. While this isn’t dangerous for people, it may be strong enough to disrupt some radio activity.

A coronal mass ejection from the right side of the sun as observed by NASA.

NASA observed a coronal mass ejection from the right side of the sun. 

NASA/SDO

Where will the aurora be visible?


From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated.

The Jan. 23 aurora borealis will be the weakest one, but it will increase in strength throughout the night. NOAA forecasts that Washington state, Montana, Minnesota and North Dakota will have the best views, with parts of Idaho, Wisconsin, Michigan, South Dakota and Maine getting at least some of the show. 

On the evening of Jan. 24, the aurora will be stronger and visible in parts of Wyoming, northern Iowa, northern New York state, Vermont and New Hampshire. The strongest part of the storm is forecast for the earliest hours of Jan. 25. The aurora borealis should then begin tapering off on the evening of Jan. 25 going into Jan. 26. 

These are forecasts, though, and are subject to change as more data becomes available. 

Read More: Why Are There So Many Aurora Borealis Displays These Days?

How to see the aurora borealis

The aurora borealis is notoriously difficult to see the further south you go. And even in the north, people in the city and suburbs likely won’t see it at all due to light pollution. If you want the best chance of seeing it, your first step is to get out of the city entirely and hope that the skies are clear. 

There is also a neat camera trick available on most newer smartphones. If you use the phone’s Night Mode, it increases the exposure time, allowing the phone to bring in more light. So if the aurora is visible in the sky where you are, this will make the aurora visible, although you likely won’t get those gorgeous high-definition shots like they get on the International Space Station. 




Leave a Comment