Auroras are lighting up the night skies across the United States, turning the phenomenon into a free, multi-day music festival for the eyes. Sightings have been reported not only in the U.S., but also in countries like Germany, Switzerland, China, England, and Spain. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts predict that the geomagnetic storm activity causing these bursts of northern lights will be at full strength on Sunday, with the possibility of continuing into Monday and Tuesday. Severe and extreme geomagnetic storms are expected to occur during this time.
The storms are a result of massive solar flaring in an area of sunspots facing Earth. The collisions of accelerated electrons with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the upper atmosphere create the colorful lights of auroras. These impacts are likely to persist until the sun rotates away from this position. Severe storm levels are expected on Sunday, with active to severe storm levels on Monday, and unsettled to minor storm levels on Tuesday. The rare occurrence of severe geomagnetic storms has pushed the viewing area further south, with reports of sightings in states like Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.
While auroras are rarely viewable in the United States, the intensity of the current geomagnetic storms has made it possible for more people to witness the spectacle. The dark new moon that began on May 7 has cleared the stage for the northern lights to shine, as the moon is only about one-fifth full this weekend. However, earthly storm activity, such as rain, is expected on Sunday from Kansas to Texas, which may affect visibility. The best viewing times for the auroras are usually just on either side of midnight, from roughly 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Experts suggest that Saturday night and Sunday night will be optimal for viewing, with potential viewing opportunities on Monday as well.
Since Friday, there have been at least three readings of G5 intensity from the geomagnetic storm, with a scale of 1-5, where G5 represents extreme energy levels. This is the most powerful geomagnetic storm to impact Earth since the Halloween Storms of 2003. The Space Weather Prediction Center spokesperson, Bryan Brasher, mentioned that a significant amount of energy is being fed into the Earth’s magnetic field. The strong solar activity causing the auroras is a rare and exciting event for skywatchers around the world, and those in the U.S. have a unique opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon.
