Northern Lights Visible Across 22 States Tonight
A recent powerful solar event is creating a spectacular celestial display tonight, visible to many across the United States, including New York.
Solar Flare and Coronal Mass Ejection Details
On November 5, a strong M7.4 solar flare erupted from the sun, releasing a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)—a surge of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s outer layer. This CME was traveling at speeds between 2.5 and 3.1 million mph, according to Space.com.
Arrival and Potential Impact
The CME is expected to reach Earth late on November 6 or early November 7, possibly triggering a strong G3 geomagnetic storm. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center commented:
“Watches have been issued for these times with moderate to high confidence in timing, and moderate confidence in magnitude.”
If the CME hits as forecasted, it could intensify the northern lights, making them visible further south into the US Midwest, offering excellent viewing conditions for enthusiasts.
Expert Commentary
Space weather physicist Tamitha Skov shared her excitement on X, saying:
“A whole train of big #solarstorms are on their way, along with some smaller storms hitting now, and some fast solar wind! It is an #aurora photographer’s dream starting now and lasting at least through the weekend.”
What to Expect
- Bright auroras likely visible from northern states down to the Midwest
- Conditions enhanced by strong geomagnetic activity
- Ideal opportunity for aurora photography and stargazing
Stay tuned for this natural light spectacle as the sun’s activity delivers one of the strongest aurora displays in recent memory.
Author’s summary: A strong solar flare’s plasma wave is expected to light up the northern skies across 22 states, creating a dazzling aurora show for observers from the poles down to the US Midwest.