Get Ready for an Aurora Spectacle!

This week, stargazers across the U.S. could be in for a mesmerizing treat as the Northern Lights make a potential appearance, thanks to a thrilling surge in solar activity! The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center has announced that a G2-rated geomagnetic storm is expected, making aurora sightings likely in several states on Tuesday and Wednesday.

What’s Behind the Solar Show?

This dazzling display is the result of two powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs)—massive waves of charged particles that the sun has hurled into space. These cosmic events are on a collision course with Earth and are projected to arrive on April 16, sparking an exciting G2-class geomagnetic storm!

Where Can You Catch the Northern Lights?

A vast majority of Canada will have prime viewing conditions, but don’t fret—17 states in the U.S. also have a chance to witness the celestial show. States such as Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and several others near the northern border may just be the best spots to catch a glimpse.

Which States Are in the Aurora Zone?

According to NOAA, here’s the list of states that could be blessed with a breathtaking view of the Northern Lights this week: Alaska, Washington, Northern Oregon, Northern Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Northern Iowa, Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. For the best views, try to escape areas with heavy light pollution!

When's the Best Time to Look Up?

The exact timing of your aurora experience will depend on real-time data from NASA’s DSCOVR and ACE satellites stationed about a million miles away. You could get a crucial 30-minute warning as these satellites measure solar wind conditions. For regular updates, keep an eye on NOAA's forecast or snag the Glendale App!

The Science Behind the Magic

So, what exactly causes the Northern Lights? It all begins with solar wind—a stream of charged particles released from the sun. Last weekend witnessed a remarkable uptick in solar activity with eight M-rated solar flares, contributing to this cosmic spectacle, even though these flares don’t directly induce auroras.

Interestingly, the recent solar flares stemmed not from sunspots, but from two magnetic filaments that detached from the sun. Described as ‘long tubes of dense plasma held above the sun's surface,’ these filaments erupted in quick succession, leading to the formation of the two CMEs!

Final Thoughts!

As we gear up for this solar spectacle, let’s all wish for clear skies and bright auroras—because this is an opportunity you won't want to miss!