Northern lights can be visible in 17 states this evening in the middle of the geomagnetic storm

The Aurora could make a special appearance thanks to an increasingly active sun.


Even if phenomena like Total solar eclipses Or meteor showers tend to draw a crowd, northern lights are distinguished as one of the most sought after glasses for the way they dominate the night sky with dazzling and dancing leaves. But even if they appear relatively often, Borealis Aurora can always be elusive due to a handful of conditions - and are generally limited to certain areas, as their name suggests. But thanks to a geomagnetic storm, the people of 17 states could obtain a special treat when the North Lights become visible this evening. Read the rest to see what places could be for a light show.

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A large plume of sun material strikes the earth.

The Northern Lights in the sky with shades of green and purple
Istock / Istock

The recent wave of Hard winter weather Perhaps made sure that the sun feels more distant than usual, but the star of our solar system is anything but inactive at the moment. In an article in X (formerly Twitter) on January 21, the meteorological prediction center for the national administration and the atmospheric (NOAA) (SWPC) announced that it had detected coronal mass ejection (CME) which took place the day before.

The agency describes these events as an "eruption of solar materials" which can cause a geomagnetic storm when they arrive on earth. In extreme cases, these can Disturbing life on our planet In the form of radio strokes or communications and electrical networks problems, according to the NOAA. However, because the recent event has classified as a moderate G2 at the agency level, those responsible claim that "the general public does not need to be concerned".

But in addition to the chances of radio disturbances, the last geomagnetic storm should also make the North lights more active - and even make them visible in the areas further south than where they are generally found.

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The sun has become more active lately due to solar cycle 25.

looking up at northern lights
Wit.siri / Shutterstock

The last CME is far from the only time the sun made the headlines recently. Our star has become more active Since entering the solar cycle 25 in December 2019, which is an 11 -year period which covers a high and a weakness in events such as Solar lights and CME Due to an increase in solar stains, according to NASA.

The cycle ultimately ends in the magnetic poles of the sun reversing in a change that scientists have observed for centuries. But scientists believe that the The peak can happen soon , potentially bring more opportunities to see the northern lights with her.

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More than a dozen states may have the chance to see the North Lights this evening.

Northern Lights
Simon's Passion 4 Travel / Shutterstock

In its announcement yesterday, the SWPC said it had established a "watch" for the geomagnetic storm for January 22 and 23. And although a handful of states were in the range of the northern light agency potentially visible on Sunday, Sunday, Sunday, Sunday, Sunday, Sunday, the The area has extended To include even more for this evening. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

According to the map, residents of Alaska and in much of Canada are very likely to see the northern lights. But North and Midwest States near the Canadian border could also have a glimpse. These include Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Northern Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, the 'Illinois and Michigan. Conditions could also create states in the northeast and New England for a show, including Upstate New York and most of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Here's how to maximize your Aurora visualization experience.

A couple looking up at the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.
Istock / Basiczto

Like any other celestial event, there is never a guarantee that the conditions will align to produce an Aurora Memorable show. But when they do it, it can help to be prepared To improve your experience of visualization of the Northern Enlightenment.

If you expect an observation in your region, try to choose a viewing place far from the city's lights and other reflections, suggests the Noaa. And given the winter time, it is also preferable to dress warmly and pack a blanket to help stay warm while you are outside.

While Arora can appear at any time of the night, the agency says that the best Aurora appears usually within two hours of midnight. That's between 10 p.m. and 2 am.

And if the northern lights do not become visible for you tonight, don't worry too much: the agency says that there could be more opportunities in the coming months while the solar cycle 25 continues to progress.

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