Northern Lights Expected to Be Visible on Thursday
Rare geomagnetic storm watch from space
Aurora borealis forecast for North America
A rare severe geomagnetic storm watch from space could mean the northern lights will be visible in the northern United States and Canada on Thursday night. The National Weather Service has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Thursday, May 11, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. CDT.
The storm is expected to be caused by a solar flare that erupted from the sun on Tuesday. The flare is expected to interact with the Earth's magnetic field, causing it to become more active. This activity can create the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights.
The aurora borealis is a natural light display that occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth's atmosphere. The particles are drawn to the Earth's magnetic poles, where they collide with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere, causing them to emit light.
The northern lights are typically visible in the northern United States and Canada during the winter months, when the nights are longer and the sky is darker. However, it is possible to see the aurora borealis at other times of the year, especially during periods of high solar activity.
If you're hoping to see the aurora borealis, the best time to look is between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. CDT on Thursday night. The best viewing locations are typically in areas with dark skies, away from city lights. You may also want to consider using a pair of binoculars or a telescope to get a better view.
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