Northern Lights May Paint the Sky Over Northern States This Weekend
Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for Friday and Saturday, August 27th and 28th, 2023. This means that there is an increased chance of seeing the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, over some northern and upper Midwest states.
Solar Flares and Coronal Mass Ejections
The Northern Lights are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with Earth's magnetic field. These particles are emitted during solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). A series of solar flares and CMEs have occurred in recent days, and these have created the conditions for a geomagnetic storm.
Predicted Visibility
Experts predict that the Northern Lights may be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern Georgia. The best time to see the aurora is typically between 10 pm and 2 am. However, it is important to note that the visibility of the Northern Lights is unpredictable and can be affected by factors such as cloud cover and light pollution.
Technological Impact
The aurora is not just a beautiful sight. It can also have an impact on technology. The charged particles that cause the aurora can disrupt radio communications, GPS navigation, and power grids. The geomagnetic storm watch issued by NOAA will help utility companies and other organizations to prepare for potential disruptions.
Comments