Topline
The aurora borealis could be visible from eight states in the continental U.S. Monday night as space weather forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict a solar radiation storm and continued geomagnetic activity over the next three days.
The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, are seen in the sky above Alta, Norway, … [+]
Key Facts
The impact of a minor solar radiation storm is expected to make the aurora borealis visible in Canada and the northern United States on Monday night, possibly dipping into South Dakota.
NOAA said there is a chance for a solar radiation storm that reaches the S1 (minor) threshold through Wednesday due to the potential for enhanced solar flares in several regions.
Solar radiation storms—which occur when magnetic eruptions accelerate particles from the sun at thousands of kilometers per hour before they penetrate the atmosphere near the north and south poles—are measured by NOAA on a scale from S1 to S5 based on intensity measured by a NASA satellite.
Scientists expect the northern lights to be visible along the Canadian border and in parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan Monday.
By Tuesday, the view line moves significantly north and the aurora borealis will likely not be visible at all from the continental United States.
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Key Background
The aurora borealis, or northern lights, are best seen from August to early April and experience peak visibility in October, November and April. The lights can appear as patches of glowing light in the sky or swirling lights that appear to be pink, blue, green, yellow and purple. The lights are caused by the interaction between the Earth’s magnetic field and particles from the sun that enter the Earth’s atmosphere at its magnetic poles. When particles collide, they can return to a lower energy state and release colorful light particles known as aurorae.
Surprising Fact
The particles that will be visible Monday night left the sun early on Friday, according to NOAA.
