Aurora Forecast: Northern Lights Visible Across the US
The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center reports that a strong geomagnetic storm is currently in progress, increasing the chances of seeing the aurora borealis across much of the United States. The northern lights could be visible as far south as Wyoming, Nebraska, and Iowa, stretching from New York to Washington state.
Geomagnetic Storm Details
According to NOAA, the ongoing storm has reached a “G3” level on the geomagnetic scale, which ranges from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). Such storms cause substantial disturbances in Earth's magnetic field and can shift in intensity from mild to strong within hours.
“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 stated in its Geomagnetic Storm Alert.
Viewing Conditions and Potential Impacts
The visibility of the aurora largely depends on two factors: the storm’s strength and local weather conditions. Clear night skies and sustained geomagnetic activity increase the likelihood of viewing. In addition to their visual beauty, intense geomagnetic storms may disrupt technology by causing power grid fluctuations and satellite interference that affects GPS systems.
Summary
Skywatchers across the northern and central United States could witness the northern lights as the ongoing G3 geomagnetic storm enhances auroral visibility through Friday night.
Author’s summary: NOAA forecasts a G3 geomagnetic storm making northern lights visible across many US states while potentially impacting satellites and power systems.