NOAA Confirms Solar Storm Bringing Aurora Borealis to Northern U.S.
Midweek, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that geomagnetic activity will intensify to a Kp index of 4, creating conditions for aurora borealis to appear across several northern U.S. states—from the Pacific coast to New England.
It’s prime Northern Lights season, and observers might witness shimmering displays of green, pink, and purple ribbons drifting across the night sky. While it can feel like something out of Norse legend, scientists assure that it’s a dazzling example of natural physics.
How the Solar Storm Works
The sun, our planet’s energy source, continuously emits streams of charged particles known as solar wind. Normally, Earth’s magnetic field serves as an invisible shield, protecting us from most of these particles.
However, when solar winds are amplified by solar eruptions or coronal holes, their pressure on Earth’s magnetic field increases. Some particles breach the poles—our magnetosphere’s weakest spots—where they collide with atmospheric gases such as oxygen and nitrogen, creating luminous curtains of light known as aurorae.
“The sun that warms our planet is nothing more than a giant particle engine, constantly ejecting a stream of charged particles into space.”
Viewing Chances
Although this solar event is classified as minor, Kp 4 activity may allow many northern U.S. residents a chance to admire the aurora borealis, weather permitting. NOAA notes that while the storm isn’t strong enough to bring the auroras to lower latitudes, it could make for spectacular night skies in the North.
Author’s summary: A moderate solar storm forecasted by NOAA may light up the skies across northern U.S. states, offering a vivid display of the aurora borealis driven by intensified solar winds.