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From New York to Idaho: Aurora could be seen on Wednesday

The Northern Lights – also known as the Aurora Borealis – could become visible in the northern U.S. states in the early hours of Wednesday as the aftermath of a “halo CMA” reaches Earth.

This legendary natural phenomenon is caused by the solar wind: charged particles from the sun that are accelerated along the magnetic field lines at the North and South Poles and enter the Earth’s atmosphere.

“Halo CME”

Experts who model the solar wind raised the alarm Monday after several separate coronal mass ejections left the sun on July 21, all aimed at Earth, creating a rare “halo CMA.” A CMA is a cloud of magnetic fields and charged particles from the sun that stream into space at up to 3,000 kilometers per second. They can take several days to reach Earth (if aimed at Earth).

Exact time information

According to an alert issued by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center on Monday, July 22, the Northern Lights may be visible over some northern and central U.S. states from New York to Idaho between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Universal Time (equivalent to 1:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. EDT) on July 24.

The “halo CME” is expected to produce a G2 geomagnetic storm at this time. This refers to the strength of the storm, which also affects how far south it is visible.

In general, Category G2 storms are seen as far south as New York and Idaho, Category G3 storms as far south as Illinois and Oregon, and Category G4 storms as far south as Alabama and northern California.

Therefore, Wednesday’s aurora is not expected to be as strong or extend as far south as the extreme G5 geomagnetic storm on May 10 that caused auroras around the world. Expect to be “photographic auroras,” which can only be captured in clear colors with a smartphone or manual camera.

30-minute forecast

US states where you may be able to see the Northern Lights include Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Montana, Minnesota, the northernmost part of New York, and Maine.

It’s wise to keep an eye out for a dark-sky location or a location free of light pollution, but as forecasts can change quickly, you should check the latest NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center advisories for accurate timing – particularly the 30-minute forecast page. It’s also recommended to regularly check apps such as My Aurora Forecast & Alerts, AuroraWatchUK or the Aurora – 30 Minute Forecast – Space Weather Prediction Center online portal.

Check the weather forecast before you leave, as clear skies are required to see the Northern Lights.

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Predicting Aurora

Last week, researchers at the University of Aberystwyth presented new research suggesting that it is now possible to predict the exact speed of a coronal mass ejection (CME), and thus accurately predict when a geomagnetic storm will begin.

This is important because very strong geomagnetic storms can mean strong currents that can potentially damage power lines, oil and gas pipelines, railways and submarine cables.

Pick up my books Stargazing in 2024, A stargazing program for beginnersAnd When is the next solar eclipse?

I wish you clear skies and big eyes.