The sky could put on a dazzling show tonight. Charged particles from the sun are heading towards the Earth, which could make the northern lights visible in parts of the nation this week.
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellites picked up a coronal mass ejection (CME), an eruption of solar material that can create geomagnetic storms when it encounters Earth's magnetic field.
When Is This Solar Material Expected To Reach Earth?
The NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) predicts that the CME will reach the Earth midday today (Tuesday, Dec. 9).
If a strong geomagnetic storm develops, the northern lights could be seen as far south as the Midwestern United States and Oregon this evening. However, clear skies and low light pollution are crucial for viewing. Visibility also depends on the strength of the geomagnetic storm and the amount of cloud cover.
While the CME can add some beauty to the night sky, it can also impact technology. Space weather events can possibly affect the power grid, satellites, GPS navigation, and even radio communication. For example, a solar flare caused a radio blackout on the sunlit side of the planet on Monday.
What Are the Northern Lights?
Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the northern lights are colorful displays visible near the Earth's northern polar regions.
When solar material reaches Earth, it is drawn toward its magnetic poles and collides with gas molecules, mostly oxygen and nitrogen. It emits bursts of energy as light, creating glowing patterns and colors in the sky.
The green lights are typically produced by oxygen, while the blue and purple colors come from nitrogen.
The northern lights can typically be seen in northern Canada, Alaska, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. However, during periods of high solar activity, such as this evening, the lights can be seen in other parts of the world, including the United States.
If you live in the Midwest, tonight is a good reason to stay up late. Take this moment to step outside, look up, and witness the northern lights.
