New Solar Storm Forecast: Opportunity to View Northern Lights in Some US States on Friday

On Friday, May 31, 2024, residents in some northern U.S. states may have the opportunity to witness a spectacular display of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, as a geomagnetic storm is predicted to arrive and last into the early hours of Saturday morning.

The Space Weather Prediction Center has forecasted a moderate geomagnetic storm, with an intensity level of 2 out of 5, caused by a coronal mass ejection resulting from a solar flare on May 29.

Unlike the nationwide aurora display on May 10, this storm is expected to be visible primarily in the northern and upper Midwest states from New York to Idaho. Some of the states most likely to witness the northern lights include New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New York, Michigan, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.

The ideal time for viewing the northern lights is between 11 p.m. on Friday and 1 a.m. on Saturday, with the possibility of visibility extending until about 3 a.m.

What Are the Northern Lights?

The northern lights are a luminous glow seen around the magnetic poles of the northern hemisphere, creating beautiful ribbons of colorful light in the night sky. This natural phenomenon occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere.

For those eager to witness this mesmerizing display, it's recommended to monitor the Space Weather Prediction Center's website for updates and conditions, especially considering the low confidence in the predicted geomagnetic storm. As the days get longer, the windows of dark sky become shorter, making it more challenging to spot the aurora. Additionally, a favorable connection between the coronal mass ejection and Earth's magnetic fields during viewing times is essential for optimal visibility.