northern lights: Northern Lights: When to where to watch aurora borealis in US on Thanksgiving and Black Friday

This Thanksgiving, celestial enthusiasts in the United States have an extra reason to look up. A minor solar storm is forecast to grace the Northern Hemisphere with the mesmerizing northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis.

The dazzling phenomenon, characterized by green, red, and pink hues, is expected to be visible in parts of the northern United States on Thanksgiving night and Black Friday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as mentioned in a report by USA Today.

This rare event comes courtesy of a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun, which is sending charged particles hurtling toward Earth.

While these geomagnetic storms pose minimal risks to satellites and power grids, they promise a stunning spectacle for skygazers, offering a festive alternative to post-dinner football or shopping.

NOAA Issues Geomagnetic Storm Watch

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has been tracking the CME since earlier this week, issuing a geomagnetic storm watch for Thursday and Friday. The event is classified as a G1 (minor) on Thanksgiving Day, escalating to G2 (moderate) by Friday, as per the report by USA Today.

While not as intense as the G4-level storm observed in October, the predicted geomagnetic activity will extend the visibility of the auroras far beyond their usual polar regions. NOAA’s forecast suggests the auroras will be brighter and visible across parts of Europe, Asia, and North America.Also Read : Coders and engineers are rare minerals in Silicon Valley? No more, hiring for high-paying jobs once considered recession-proof has tanked; here’s why

Where to See the Northern Lights in the US

The northern lights are typically most vibrant near the magnetic poles, but the approaching solar storm will allow them to stretch into states not often graced by such displays.

States like Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Maryland are among those that may catch a glimpse, with the lights visible as low on the horizon in some areas, as per the USA Today report.

Key cities with potential aurora sightings include:

Lincoln, Nebraska
Indianapolis, Indiana
Annapolis, Maryland
Boise, Idaho
Cheyenne, Wyoming

Visibility, however, will depend on local weather conditions and the level of light pollution. For the best views, experts recommend venturing to dark, open spaces away from city lights.

When to Look for the Auroras

For optimal aurora viewing, NOAA advises heading outside around midnight when the activity peaks.

However, the exact timing can be unpredictable, as aurora forecasts remain challenging to pinpoint.

NOAA’s aurora dashboard and local weather updates can help skygazers plan their evening.

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The Science Behind the Northern Lights

Auroras occur when charged particles from the Sun interact with Earth’s magnetosphere and atmospheric gases, causing the release of energy in the form of light.

These interactions create stunning displays of color that vary depending on the altitude and type of gas involved.

As the Sun approaches its solar maximum—a period of heightened solar activity that occurs every 11 years—events like this are expected to become more frequent.

With the solar cycle peaking through 2025, aurora enthusiasts can anticipate more opportunities to witness these breathtaking natural light shows.

FAQs

What is the cause of the northern lights?
These dazzling light displays occur due to magnetic storms sparked by solar activity, including solar flares or coronal mass ejections. Charged particles from these phenomena travel toward Earth via the solar wind.

Do the northern lights happen every night?
“The northern lights are active around the clock, every day of the year,” explained Chad Blakely, photographer and owner of the northern lights tour company Lights Over Lapland. “However, spotting them requires being in the right place at the right time.”