The article highlights the upcoming opportunity for residents in northern US states to witness the aurora borealis on Monday and Tuesday nights. This event is a result of solar material ejected from the sun on Aug. 11 that is expected to reach Earth on Aug. 12-13, causing geomagnetic storms that drive the aurora borealis farther south than usual. As a result, residents in states such as New York, Montana, Washington, and Minnesota will have the chance to add an aurora borealis sighting to their social media profiles. The phenomenon is expected to be visible in the red and green zones, extending along the entire northern border of the US, from Washington to Maine.
While sightings of the aurora borealis reaching as far south as Alabama are rare, reports of the phenomenon have been consistent in northern US states. NOAA’s predictions regarding the reach of the aurora borealis can vary, with instances of the lights extending farther south than expected, as shown in videos from locations like Joshua Tree National Park in California and the city of Pittsburgh. However, for those who may not be within NOAA’s predicted range, it is still recommended to look for the aurora borealis, as it may outperform expectations and be visible in unexpected locations. Optimal viewing conditions may require venturing outside of big cities or suburbs to avoid light pollution.
The article also mentions the Perseids meteor shower, which coincides with the aurora borealis event. Videos and photographs shared from various locations around the world, including the Netherlands, showcase the beauty of both the meteor shower and the northern lights. This convergence of celestial events provides a unique opportunity for skywatchers to witness the natural wonders of the night sky. With the potential for the aurora borealis to reach down to more southern locations than usual, residents in states bordering the northern border may also have the chance to glimpse this stunning phenomenon.
For those interested in capturing images of the aurora borealis, driving out of town to areas with less light pollution is recommended for optimal viewing and photography opportunities. The article emphasizes the potential for the aurora borealis to exceed expectations and reach regions not originally included in NOAA’s predictions. With the increasing frequency of events like planet parades, solar eclipses, meteor showers, and the Milky Way, investing in a chair to gaze up at the sky and witness these natural displays may be a worthwhile endeavor. As the aurora borealis continues to captivate viewers with its mesmerizing display of colors, skywatchers in the northernmost regions of the US have the chance to experience this celestial spectacle firsthand.
