This Valentine’s Day, parts of the U.S. might witness a breathtaking display of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a solar G1 geomagnetic storm is expected on Thursday night, making the auroras visible by Friday. Although G1 storms are minor, they still offer a magical sky show for stargazers.
Why Are Northern Lights Visible This Valentine’s Day?
The sun is currently in its solar maximum phase, which occurs once every 11 years. During this time, the sun’s activity is at its peak, leading to more frequent displays of the northern lights.
The northern lights occur due to coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — powerful bursts of magnetized plasma from the sun’s surface. When these CMEs travel through space and reach Earth, they interact with our planet’s magnetic field, creating vibrant green, pink, and purple lights in the sky.
Which U.S. States Will See the Northern Lights?
According to NOAA’s aurora forecast, the northern lights will be visible in several northern U.S. states, including:
- Idaho
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Alaska
If the geomagnetic storm becomes stronger, the auroras could also be visible in parts of northern Michigan and Maine.
Best Time to Watch the Northern Lights
The exact time and location of the aurora borealis are hard to predict since CMEs take time to reach Earth. However, NOAA suggests that the best time to see the northern lights is right before and after midnight.
To increase your chances of seeing this natural wonder:
- Avoid light pollution: Stay away from city lights for a clearer view.
- Check the weather: Clear skies are essential for viewing the auroras.
- Look away from the full moon: Bright moonlight can make it harder to see the northern lights.
How to Watch and Capture the Aurora Borealis
Since predicting the northern lights can be tricky, using platforms like Aurorasaurus can help. Aurorasaurus sends real-time alerts to users when auroras are visible in their area.
To capture the beauty of the northern lights:
- Use a smartphone camera or digital camera, as they are more sensitive to light and can capture the auroras even if they are faint to the human eye.
- Adjust your camera settings for night photography to enhance the colors and details of the aurora.
This Valentine’s Day, the northern lights promise a stunning celestial display for parts of the U.S. With the sun in its solar maximum phase, the vibrant auroras are a result of increased solar activity. States like Idaho, Montana, and Alaska will have the best views, and platforms like Aurorasaurus can help track the auroras in real-time. Don’t forget to step away from city lights, use your camera, and keep an eye on the sky around midnight for the best experience.
