NOAA Issues Watch for Historic Northern Lights Display

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch for Saturday, setting the stage for a potentially historic display of the northern lights across much of the northern United States. This rare event is expected to be both unusual and remarkable.

Geomagnetic storms occur when material ejected from the sun’s atmosphere interacts with Earth’s magnetic field, creating disturbances that can trigger stunning auroras. Friday night’s aurora may be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California, with favorable conditions possibly continuing through the weekend. The geomagnetic activity is forecasted to reach a level eight on a nine-point scale on Friday night, and a five on Saturday night. States such as Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and others lie within the predicted line of visibility.

The best viewing conditions for the aurora are clear, dark skies, with the optimal viewing time being three to four hours around midnight, as suggested by the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

The National Weather Service’s forecast indicates relatively low cloud cover for much of the northern U.S. around 12 a.m. on Saturday, except for Michigan and Wisconsin, which could provide ideal conditions for viewing the aurora.

This Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch is the first of its kind since January 2005, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding this rare celestial event.

Background: The northern lights are a natural phenomenon that occurs continuously but may not always be visible. They are most commonly observed near the North Pole, with the best viewing opportunities between September and April. Scientists can predict auroral activity by monitoring solar winds, though these predictions are made with moderate confidence. Aurora forecasts are currently as reliable as weather forecasts were in the 1950s, according to CBS News.

What to Watch For: While the weekend’s geomagnetic storm promises a spectacular display, there is also concern for potential damage. G4 storms, like the one predicted, are the second-strongest type of geomagnetic storm and have the potential to damage satellites and cause widespread voltage problems, affecting the electric power grid, radio, and navigation systems, according to NOAA. NOAA space weather forecaster Shawn Dahl noted that while he couldn’t speculate on the potential damage, the severity of this event is extraordinary and very rare.