Northern Lights Visible Tonight in Upstate New York
A powerful G3 geomagnetic storm is bringing the aurora borealis far south of its usual Arctic location. Residents of Upstate New York may witness one of nature’s most enchanting displays tonight.
Geomagnetic Storm Alert
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a strong G3 geomagnetic storm alert for Thursday night, November 6. This storm has the potential to illuminate the night sky with colors typically seen only near the Arctic Circle.
Regions with Possible Aurora Sightings
- Parts of Nebraska
- Wyoming
- Pennsylvania
- Hudson Valley in New York
- Northern New York areas such as Plattsburgh, Rouses Point, and the eastern Adirondacks
The auroral oval is expected to stretch much further south, allowing nearly half of the continental United States to potentially catch a glimpse of the northern lights.
Cause of the Storm
The storm is driven by intense solar activity that propelled a surge of charged particles toward Earth. With a Kp index of 7 out of 9, this is classified as a strong geomagnetic storm.
Viewing Conditions and Timing
Skies in Upstate New York are expected to be partly to mostly cloudy around 10 p.m., but the aurora can sometimes be visible through thin cloud cover. The prime time for viewing is around midnight, when the storm is forecast to reach its peak.
"Meteorologist Eric Snitil predicts prime viewing in northern New York, especially near Plattsburgh, Rouses Point, and the eastern Adirondacks."
The Catskills and Hudson Valley may also experience the display if cloud cover is light enough.
How to Watch
- Find a dark location away from city lights.
- Look toward the northern horizon after 10 p.m., with best chances near midnight.
- Be patient and keep an eye on the sky despite some cloudiness.
The aurora borealis offers a rare and breathtaking spectacle much farther south than usual thanks to this strong geomagnetic storm.
Author's summary: A strong geomagnetic storm tonight may make the northern lights visible across much of Upstate New York, offering a rare cosmic show despite some cloud cover.