NEED TO KNOW
\nA coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun is expected to reach Earth on Thursday, Oct. 16, potentially triggering a G2 geomagnetic stormJust after sunset, auroras could be visible across parts of the northern U.S. statesTo maximize viewing, head to rural areas away from city lights and check NOAA’s aurora forecast<\/p>\n
The auroras are back after a triple solar blast!\n<\/p>\n
There\u2019s something otherworldly about the northern lights<\/a> and how they dance across the night sky with their dazzling ribbons of color.\n<\/p>\n If you consider yourself an avid skywatcher<\/a>, or perhaps dream of seeing the aurora borealis in real time, this week might be your chance.\n<\/p>\n The northern lights are a result of geomagnetic storms, which occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth’s<\/a> atmosphere, creating brilliant waves of light in the sky.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n Just our luck, thanks to some recent solar activity, parts of the northern states (and Canada) could be treated to a stellar light show starting Thursday, Oct. 16.\n<\/p>\n A burst of energy from the Sun \u2014 also known as a coronal mass ejection \u2014 is currently speeding toward Earth. But when it collides with our planet\u2019s magnetic field, it can spark a geomagnetic storm strong enough to ignite the auroras that shimmer across northern skies<\/a>!\n<\/p>\n More importantly, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) published a geomagnetic storm watch, forecasting a G2-rated geomagnetic storm.\n<\/p>\n The Kp index \u2014 which runs from zero to nine \u2014 could reach a five or six, as per NOAA\u2019s three-day forecast<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Grab a jacket, charge your camera and keep your eyes on the horizon!\n<\/p>\n Here\u2019s everything you need to know about when, where and how to catch a glimpse of the auroras.<\/p>\n When will the northern lights be visible? <\/p>\n A polar aurora (also known as the Northern Lights in the northern hemisphere and the Southern Lights in the southern hemisphere) is a luminous phenomenon.<\/p>\n Philippe Bourseiller\/Getty<\/p>\n If the weather permits and the forecast holds, aurora activity is expected to ramp up after sunset on Thursday, Oct. 16, and continue into the early hours of Friday, Oct. 17.\n<\/p>\n According to NOAA, Earth is about to experience a G2 geomagnetic storm, which is considered \u201cmoderate\u201d on a scale of G1 to G5. Still, this type of storm can make the northern lights visible much farther south than usual, especially under dark, clear skies.\n<\/p>\n NOAA\u2019s models predict the strongest activity between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET, but timing can vary depending on your location and weather.\n<\/p>\n Where will the northern lights be visible? <\/p>\n TOPSHOT – Northern lights or aurora borealis illuminate the night sky over Fusch an der Groglocknerstra.<\/p>\n JFK\/APA\/AFP via Getty<\/p>\n Are you ready for a stellar light show?\n<\/p>\n If you live in Alaska or the northern parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York or Maine, it\u2019s your lucky week.<\/p>\n The farther north you go (and the farther you are from big-city lights), the better your chances of catching a glimpse.<\/p>\n Tip: Drive 30 to 60 minutes away from the city glow, look north and let your eyes adjust to the darkness.\n<\/p>\n How to watch the northern lights? <\/p>\n Northern lights crown bursting with color, Iceland.<\/p>\n Arctic-Images\/Getty<\/p>\n Witnessing the aurora borealis is all about patience, persistence and above all, preparation.\n<\/p>\n The key is to head outside once the sky is dark and find a wide-open view of the northern horizon. As always, be sure to give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust. But for the best views, some skywatchers head to a designated Dark Sky Place<\/a> or use light pollution maps<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n