Aurora Forecast: Northern Lights Visible Across the US
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center reports a significant geomagnetic storm currently underway, increasing the chances of seeing the aurora borealis, or northern lights, across much of the northern United States. This natural phenomenon could be visible from the East Coast to the West Coast, with the best chances stretching from New York to Washington state.
Geographic Range of Visibility
The forecast indicates that the northern lights might be seen as far south as Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa, extending beyond the usual northern boundary. This expands the potential viewing area into some central US states.
Factors Affecting Visibility
Visibility depends on the strength of the geomagnetic storm and local weather conditions. Clear skies and stronger storms increase the likelihood of observing the aurora.
Storm Intensity Details
"Early on Thursday morning, the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center said a 'G3' geomagnetic storm was now in progress. The scale runs from G1, minor, to G5, extreme. This is a 'larger disturbance in Earth's magnetic field. It can vary in intensity between lower levels and strong storm conditions over the course of hours to a day during the event duration,'" NOAA explained in its Geomagnetic Storm Alert.
Impacts Beyond Aurora Viewing
In addition to creating spectacular sky displays, strong geomagnetic storms can disrupt technology. This includes power grid fluctuations and satellite interference, potentially affecting GPS services.
Summary
The current strong geomagnetic storm offers widespread aurora viewing opportunities across much of the US while posing risks to some technological systems.
Author’s summary: A powerful geomagnetic storm is bringing northern lights visibility to broad US regions while causing potential disruptions to power grids and satellite signals.