Minnesotans and Americans living as far south as Alabama and Northern California may have the chance to witness a brilliant display of the northern lights this weekend due to a powerful geomagnetic storm heading towards Earth. The storm has the potential to cause disruptions in communications systems, the power grid, and satellite operations, but it could also create a spectacular light show in the night sky. The Space Weather Prediction Center has issued warnings and forecasts for the northern lights, indicating that people across much of the northern half of the U.S. may have the opportunity to view the aurora borealis.
To have the best chance of seeing the northern lights, individuals are advised to get away from city lights and into a dark, rural area with clear skies, looking towards the north. Even those who are not directly underneath the aurora can still observe it from a distance of up to 620 miles. While some areas may experience cloudy conditions associated with passing fronts, many places are expected to have mostly clear skies, providing a prime viewing opportunity. The National Weather Service in St. Louis has encouraged people in the area to leave the city for the best possible chance of witnessing the northern lights.
Despite the potential for viewing the northern lights, not all areas are optimistic about the chances of seeing the aurora. The weather service’s office for the San Francisco Bay Area was less hopeful about the possibility of a nighttime show but encouraged residents to still look up while outdoors. The Space Weather Prediction Center has also released a forecast map for Saturday night, indicating that the potential for viewing the aurora may extend through the weekend. Officials have advised that even if the northern lights are not visible to the naked eye in some parts of the Southern U.S., stunning pictures can still be captured with smartphones.
For those who are unable to witness the northern lights in person, the Space Weather Prediction Center’s Brent Gordon suggests using a newer cellphone to capture the light display. Cellphones are often much better at capturing light than the human eye, and simply going outside with a smartphone can reveal a more detailed and stunning image than what can be seen with the naked eye. Regardless of the specific location, the potential for viewing the northern lights this weekend has generated excitement among stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts across the country, offering a rare opportunity to witness a natural phenomenon that is both mesmerizing and awe-inspiring.
