Over the weekend, a rare Category 5 geomagnetic storm caused the aurora borealis phenomenon to be visible to millions of people across the world. The stunning display was seen from Ukraine to South Florida, inducing mass FOMO as radiant pictures circulated the internet. While the northern lights have begun to wane, the cosmic fireworks display will still be available in the Northernmost parts of the US as well as Canada, according to a forecast map by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The regions of the US where the northern lights can still be observed include Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and New York. Unfortunately, dense fog obscured the views of Gothamites over the weekend, leading many to watch the phenomenon via livestream. However, the light show can still be observed from over 600 miles away if the aurora is bright and if conditions are right.
Stargazers interested in viewing the northern lights can use real-time aurora-tracking apps and websites to find out if and when the phenomenon will be visible in their area. One recommended app is the Aurora Borealis Forecast & Alerts, which is available on the App Store for iPhone users and Google Play for Android users. Additionally, aurora hopefuls can visit the website auroranotifier.com for updates and forecasts regarding the aurora borealis.
Geomagnetic storms, such as the one that caused the recent aurora borealis display, are caused when the Sun emits powerful energy pulses that impact our planet. These storms have the potential to cause blackouts and other voltage issues. The particular storm that led to the recent aurora borealis was traced to a colossal sunspot cluster that is 17 times the diameter of Earth, according to NOAA. Despite the waning of the northern lights, enthusiasts still have one final opportunity to witness the cosmic light show from certain regions across the US and Canada.
The NOAA provided a prediction of the intensity and location of the aurora borealis for the upcoming nights over North America. Enthusiasts in the mentioned regions of the US and Canada can still hope to catch a glimpse of the spectacular phenomenon before it disappears completely. Although the northern lights have begun to fade, those in the specified areas can still experience the magic of the aurora borealis if they are lucky and the conditions are favorable.
Overall, the recent aurora borealis display was a rare and captivating event that captivated viewers around the world. While the cosmic fireworks have started to dim, those in certain regions of the US and Canada still have a final chance to witness the aurora borealis before it disappears completely. By using aurora-tracking apps and websites, stargazers can stay updated on the chances of viewing the stunning phenomenon in their area in order to not miss out on this awe-inspiring natural display.
