Northern Lights set to be visible across these 22 US states tonight after major geomagnetic storm
A series of solar storms have hit the United States, and now something very exciting is set to happen as a result.
No, it's not an influx of people who suddenly find they have superpowers and have to come to terms with their new life fighting crime, though obviously we can't entirely rule that out.
It's actually that the aurora borealis will be visible not just localised entirely in Principle Skinner's steamed-ham-cooking kitchen, but across whole stretches of the northern United States.
The Northern Lights happen when electromagnetic particles from space smash into the Earth's magnetic field.
Advert
This disperses them across the globe, but in the far north they can become particularly concentrated resulting in spectacular displays of light in the night sky.
Where these displays are visible depends on the level of solar activity - normally they are only visible very far north, but during periods of higher activity they are visible further south.
And just such a display is set to transpire in the skies above the US and Canada tonight, with solar activity meaning that tonight is the night likely to see the biggest displays, NOAA has said.
A forecast map showed that at least 22 states are likely to see solar activity tonight.
If you want to have the best chance of catching a glimpse, you are best heading out away from light-polluted urban areas to somewhere darker where the night sky will be clearer.
You'll also need to find a spot with a north-facing view to ensure you're looking in the right direction.
Then just hope it isn't cloudy.
NOAA wrote: “Watches have been issued for these times with moderate to high confidence in timing, and moderate confidence in magnitude."
The best time to spot the aurora will be late at night, with the hours between 10pm and 2am local time being when it can appear, though it is predicted to peak at around 3am.
To take a picture of the aurora you should activate night mode on your phone and turn off the flash.
If you have a tripod or other stabilising gear then it's also a good idea to bring this as well to ensure maximum clarity.
Tamitha Skov is a space weather physicist and posted on X about the solar activity.
She said: “A whole train of big #solarstorms are on their way, along with some smaller storms hitting now, and some fast solar wind!
“It is an #aurora photographer’s dream starting now and lasting at least through the weekend.”
Full list of states where the aurora might appear:
- Alaska
- Washington
- Oregon
- Idaho
- Montana
- Wyoming
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Nebraska
- Minnesota
- Iowa
- Wisconsin
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Ohio
- Michigan
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Maine
Kit Roberts