There is a possibility that a solar storm just before the New Year could bring the northern lights to several North American states.
According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the sun fired two bursts of plasma that are heading toward Earth and are expected early this week.
Once they arrive, they can shine colorful lights on Monday and Tuesday nights across Alaska, Washington, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Iowa and parts of New York may also be visible.
Shawn Dahl, NOAA's space weather forecaster, said early Tuesday morning, while it's still dark, should be the best chance to prepare for the light show.
Updated forecasts may become available as the event gets closer NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center website Or an aurora forecast app.
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center
The Sun is at maximum phase of its 11-year cycle, causing solar waves and the northern lights to occur more frequently.
The northern lights are most visible after sunset or just before sunrise, ideally away from bright city lights, NOAA said. Taking pictures with a smartphone camera can also reveal signs of aurora that are not visible to the naked eye.
The active period is expected to last for at least another year, although scientists will not know when solar activity peaked until months after the fact.
NOAA is monitoring this week's solar storms for possible minor disruptions in high-frequency radio communications, which are used by airlines and amateur radio operators.
in may, NOAA issues warning of a rare severe geomagnetic storm – It was the strongest storm in more than two decades, producing lightning across the entire Northern Hemisphere. And in October, A powerful solar storm dazzles sky watchers Auroras appeared in unexpected places far beyond the Arctic Circle, including Germany, the United Kingdom, New England and New York City.
Note: The above video first aired on October 11, 2024