This incredible phenomenon is created by an enormous storm in space called a geomagnetic storm, which is triggered by a massive burst of energy known as a coronal mass ejection (CME). This explosion occurred on the sun’s surface on Saturday, September 16, and it is now traveling straight for Earth.
The CME is projected to impact Earth on Tuesday, September 19, but we don’t know when. The storm is expected to be at its fiercest between 06:00 and 09:00 UTC on September 19, according to specialists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration‘s Space Weather Prediction Center. According to SpaceWeather.com, NASA analysts believe it will arrive later on September 19, maybe during the day in North America.
When there’s a storm like this, especially a G2-class storm like this one, we typically see some magnificent northern lights. According to SpaceWeather.com, people observed northern lights in multiple U.S. states, including as far down as Colorado and Missouri, just a few days ago, on September 12, during a comparable G2 storm.
A coronal mass ejection (CME) is a large burst of material from the sun that flies across space at speeds of up to 1,900 miles (3,000 kilometers) per second. When all of this debris comes toward Earth, it takes a few days to arrive, and when it does, we usually get to view the spectacular northern lights.
Experts urge everyone to be aware of this special occasion. Dr. Ryan French, a scientist at the National Solar Observatory (NSO) in Boulder, Colorado, and author of “The Sun: Beginner’s Guide To Our Local Star,” tweeted his hopes for a fantastic light show. Dr. Tamitha Skov, a solar scientist, also tweeted about the “direct hit” from the solar storm and the possibility of seeing northern lights even in regions not too far north.These kind of space storms are more likely to occur near the equinoxes, which are moments when the Earth aligns perfectly with the sun’s wind. The equinoxes occur in late September and late March, increasing the likelihood of this event.
How to watch nothern light in US?
To make sure you have the best chance to see the northern lights, try to be in places up north. But during this event, they might show up even farther south. Just remember, lights from buildings and cities can make it hard to see the northern lights, especially if they’re low on the northern horizon.
Astronomer Tom Kerss, who wrote a book called “The Northern Lights: The Definitive Guide to Auroras,” says you should go somewhere away from city lights and have a clear view to the north for the best experience when watching this natural wonder.