Witnessing the Northern Lights at the North and South Poles is considered a rare and unforgettable experience for many individuals. However, you now have the opportunity to cross this off your bucket list as the Northern Lights might be visible in the skies over the US and UK tonight.
Yesterday, the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Space Weather Prediction Center issued a magnetic storm warning following a solar eruption that sent a stream of particles towards Earth, triggering the aurora borealis.
When Can You See the Aurora Borealis?
Scientists anticipate that the aurora will be visible from tonight (March 25) until early tomorrow (March 26), with optimal viewing between 11pm and 12am.
“Predicting the exact visibility of the aurora can be challenging due to rapidly changing conditions,” states Professor Don Polacco, a graduate from the Department of Physics at the University of Warwick. “However, one thing is certain: urban areas with bright lights are unlikely to provide a clear view. To observe the Northern Lights, you must venture into darker, rural settings and look towards the northern horizon (focus on the North Star).” Hence, being in the countryside away from city lights is recommended.
The prime viewing time typically falls during the darkest hours of the night, around 11pm to 12am. Nevertheless, as Polacco mentions, the appearance of the lights can be unpredictable, with avid observers possibly needing to wait until late at night for their glimpse.
The further north you venture in the Northern Hemisphere, the better your chances are of witnessing this celestial phenomenon. The same applies to individuals further south in the Southern Hemisphere.
According to astrophysicist Dr. Paul Strom, “The most effective way to see the Northern Lights is to subscribe to an alert service that keeps you informed about the activity.” For UK residents, he recommends utilizing aurora watch UK for updates.
If you intend to capture images of the aurora, Strom advises setting your camera to higher sensitivity (ISO) and securing it on a tripod to facilitate long exposure shots of a few seconds. Photography is encouraged.
Where Can You See the Northern Lights?
In the northern hemisphere, the aurora borealis can be observed across the United States, with sightings possible in states like Washington, Wisconsin, and New York. If the current geomagnetic storm maintains its strength, it might extend southwards to Northern California and Alabama.
In the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland stand a good chance of viewing the Northern Lights if the skies remain clear.
Conversely, in the southern hemisphere, the Japan Meteorological Agency Space Weather Forecast Center has alerted Australia about the possibility of aurora borealis (southern lights). Tasmanian residents, Victoria’s coastal regions, and the southwest coast of Western Australia are expected to experience the phenomenon.
Auroras tend to be visible near the Earth’s magnetic poles, in synchronization with the geographic location of the poles. Individuals located near the Arctic or Antarctic Circles can anticipate a dazzling display of lights.
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What Causes the Aurora Borealis?
The interaction of particles emanating from the sun with Earth’s strong magnetic field set off by its molten iron core results in the aurora borealis phenomenon.
“Auroras materialize when the Sun expels huge bubbles of magnetic gas into space,” remarked Dr. Darren Baskill, an astronomy lecturer at the University of Sussex, to BBC Science Focus. “Occasionally, these bubbles collide with Earth and its magnetic channels, prompting gas to flow towards the north and south poles, illuminating the sky with the enchanting lights of the aurora borealis.”
Baskill elucidated that the sun undergoes an 11-year cycle during which its magnetic field alternates between increasing and decreasing in intensity. Presently, we are approaching the pinnacle of this cycle, implying an elevated frequency of aurora borealis sightings over the next year as solar activity heightens.
This evening’s light display follows a recent solar flare, as Baskill delineated, “A solar eruption on Sunday, March 24, 2024, resulted in the release of a gas bubble (coronal mass ejection). “The solar wind carrying the gas is currently traveling at approximately 800 km/s and is expected to impact Earth from Monday night into Tuesday morning.”
Why Are the Aurora Borealis Different Colors?
The hues of the aurora borealis and australis are determined by the fusion of specific atoms in Earth’s atmosphere with solar particles.
When oxygen atoms at higher altitudes react, a green aurora emerges. Meanwhile, sightings of blue, yellow, or red auroras indicate interactions between solar particles and oxygen or nitrogen atoms at lower altitudes.
The occasional presence of a purple hue is attributable to interactions with hydrogen and helium.
Are Geomagnetic Storms Hazardous?
Rest assured, unless you are seeking to witness the aurora borealis, geomagnetic storms pose no significant risk.
Nevertheless, these storms can potentially disrupt high-frequency radio communications. Experts vigilantly monitor aircraft and satellite communications to ensure uninterrupted operations.
In a statement released on Sunday, the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center assured the public that no adverse effects were to be expected, with infrastructure operators already taking precautions to mitigate potential impacts.
However, the statement cautioned that disruptions to GPS systems could become more frequent and prolonged.
About Our Experts
Don Polacco: He serves as a Professor in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Group at the University of Warwick, focusing on exoplanets and overseeing the successful SuperWASP project on La Palma Island.
Dr. Paul Strom: A faculty member in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Group at the University of Warwick, engaged in the PLATO space mission and various astrophysical research endeavors, particularly emphasizing far-ultraviolet observations for understanding young planet formation environments.
Dr. Darren Baskill: An outreach officer and lecturer at the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Sussex, formerly affiliated with the Royal Observatory Greenwich and the administrator of the annual Astronomical Photographer of the Year competition.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
