photo by Anne Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood residents are in for another clear night, and if we’re lucky, the northern lights might make a spectacular return. On Thursday night, the aurora borealis put on a mesmerizing display, visible as far south as Florida and lighting up skies across major cities like New York City and Chicago in shades of red and purple.
Although the strong geomagnetic storm that created Thursday’s show has eased, some parts of the U.S. may still catch a glimpse of the northern lights tonight. Here’s what you need to know if you’re hoping to see them again.
Where Will the Northern Lights Be Visible Tonight?
According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center’s aurora forecast, parts of the northern U.S. might be treated to the northern lights tonight. While Canada and Alaska are prime spots, you could also see the aurora from as far as 620 miles away if the conditions are right.
In the U.S., residents in Idaho, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin might catch the show, as well as those in northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine on the East Coast.
The best time to look is when it’s dark and clear outside, and while they might not be visible to the naked eye, your phone camera could help you spot them.
What Time Will the Northern Lights Be Most Visible?
The best chance to see the northern lights is just after sunset or just before sunrise. You’ll need dark, cloudless skies and minimal artificial light for the best viewing experience. The aurora can’t be seen during the day, so you’ll have to wait until nighttime for the show.
Why Have the Northern Lights Been So Visible Lately?
Lately, the northern lights have been appearing more frequently due to increased activity on the sun. Over the past several months, the sun has been experiencing a series of coronal mass ejections, sending out solar winds that fuel these breathtaking aurora displays.
Shawn Dahl, a forecaster with the Space Weather Prediction Center, explained that this is happening because we’re currently in the middle of the sun’s 11-year solar cycle, specifically a phase known as solar maximum. This means the sun’s magnetic fields are more intense, causing more frequent and powerful geomagnetic storms.
What Causes the Northern Lights?
The northern lights are a result of interactions between the sun’s solar winds and the Earth’s protective magnetic field. These interactions lead to geomagnetic storms that create the beautiful aurora displays.
The stronger the geomagnetic activity, the brighter and more widespread the northern lights become. Even in moderate conditions, you can still see weaker auroras, especially near the North Pole (where they’re called the northern lights) or the South Pole (where they’re known as the southern lights).
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse tonight, keep your eyes on the northern horizon and enjoy the celestial show!
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