Aurora chasers are in for a treat this Thanksgiving and Black Friday as a solar storm is set to reach Earth, creating colorful northern lights in parts of the northern hemisphere. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for both days, with the solar storm expected to make the vibrant auroras visible to a wider area than usual.
The solar storm, currently measured at a minor G1 intensity on Thursday and a moderate G2 intensity on Friday, is not expected to pose significant threats to satellites, GPS signals, and power grids. Instead, it is set to provide Thanksgiving entertainment after traditional celebrations have ended. The auroras, caused by solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetosphere, are expected to be visible in several northern and upper Midwest states in the U.S.
The auroras are best seen around the magnetic poles, but the incoming solar storm should make them visible further from the poles. The University of Alaska at Fairbanks Geophysical Institute website tracks the phenomenon and predicts visibility low on the horizon in several states including Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Maryland, and more. The best time to see the auroras is usually within an hour or two of midnight, and skygazers are advised to head to dark locations free from light pollution for optimal viewing.
As the sun reaches the peak of its 11-year cycle, increased solar activity is fueling more frequent northern lights displays. Sunspots on the solar surface can release bursts of radiation and coronal mass ejections that collide with Earth’s magnetosphere, producing geomagnetic storms and spectacular auroras. NASA anticipates the solar maximum to continue into 2025, offering more opportunities for aurora chasers to catch the mesmerizing northern lights.
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