This Valentine’s Day, parts of the United States will have the chance to witness the captivating aurora borealis, or northern lights, thanks to a G1 geomagnetic storm forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The stunning display could begin Thursday evening, February 14, and continue into Friday.
Which U.S. States Will See the Aurora Borealis?
The aurora borealis is often a rare and breathtaking sight, visible in higher latitudes. As the sun is currently in its solar maximum phase — a period of intense solar activity in its 11-year cycle — the conditions are perfect for auroras. The solar maximum leads to an increased frequency of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are bursts of magnetized plasma from the sun. These CMEs travel through the solar wind and interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating the colorful light shows visible in the sky.
The NOAA’s aurora viewline map indicates that the aurora borealis will likely be visible in U.S. states like Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Alaska, depending on the weather. The northern lights might even stretch as far south as northern Michigan and Maine, if the storm’s intensity allows it.
When and How to Spot the Northern Lights
Because the sun is about 93 million miles away, predicting the exact timing and location of aurora displays is tricky. CMEs can take days to reach Earth, so the lights may not appear immediately. However, a platform called Aurorasaurus provides real-time alerts to users, notifying them when auroras are visible in their area.
NOAA experts recommend the best time to observe the aurora is just before and after midnight. For optimal viewing, it’s best to find a location away from artificial lights and the glare of a full moon. To capture the auroras in all their glory, experts suggest using a smartphone or digital camera. These devices are more sensitive to the array of colors in the aurora, allowing you to capture the event even when it may be faint to the naked eye.
As solar activity continues to increase, there are more opportunities to witness such celestial displays, making this Valentine’s Day a unique occasion for those lucky enough to see the northern lights.
