Northern Lights: Next Chance for Aurora Across Boston Expected Wednesday A strong solar flare erupted from the sun on Monday, triggering a geomagnetic storm watch for Wednesday evening and creating an opportunity for the northern lights to be visible in New England for the third time this year. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center classified the storm as a level G2, which is moderate on a five-point scale ranging from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). This level of activity could extend the visibility of the aurora as far south as the borders of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Shawn Dahl, service coordinator for the Space Weather Prediction Center, noted that if the storm reaches G2 levels during favorable early evening or dark hours, the aurora could be seen in northern New England. The potential for the storm to escalate to a G3, strong geomagnetic storm, remains possible, which could bring the view line farther south and allow all of New Englanders to witness the phenomenon. The sun’s activity, though millions of miles away, has the potential to intensify. The flare, an M2.8-class event, followed a relatively quiet month on the sun, raising questions about the intensity of the solar minimum. However, the flare produced an Earth-directed eruption, suggesting the excitement might be justified. Solar flares release plasma known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are plumes of solar material carrying magnetic fields. These CMEs are launched into space at speeds exceeding 1 million mph and travel through space, interacting with Earth’s magnetic field. When charged particles from the CMEs collide with oxygen and nitrogen ions in the upper atmosphere, they create the shimmering ribbons of light known as the northern lights or aurora borealis.#space_weather_prediction_center #aurora_borealis #shawn_dahl #solar_cycle_25 #northern_lights
Michigan Aurora Forecast: Northern Lights Expected Tonight The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) forecasts that the northern lights, or aurora borealis, may be visible over Michigan skies on Wednesday night, March 18. However, the visibility is expected to be limited due to cloudy conditions and potential snowfall, according to the National Weather Service. The SWPC’s dashboard map indicates that auroras could be seen in up to 17 states, with Michigan being one of the regions where the phenomenon is predicted to be visible across the entire state. Despite the forecast, local weather offices warn that widespread cloud cover and, in some areas, snow or freezing rain could obstruct the view. Experts recommend finding a dark, open area with clear skies for the best chance of observing the auroras. NOAA has also noted that a G2 geomagnetic storm is expected to occur on Tuesday night, which would produce a Kp index of 6. This index measures the severity of global magnetic disturbances near Earth, with a rating of 5 or higher typically indicating that the northern lights may be visible in Michigan. The auroras are caused by solar wind particles interacting with Earth’s magnetic field, creating vibrant displays of light in the night sky. These lights often appear in shades of green, pink, and red, with varying intensities depending on atmospheric conditions. NOAA’s forecast highlights that the southernmost extent of auroral visibility on March 18 will span parts of multiple states, though specific regions may vary. The colors of the auroras depend on the gases in the atmosphere and the energy levels of the particles involved.#national_weather_service #national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration #noaa #space_weather_prediction_center #aurora_borealis
