Northern Lights expected to be visible across US tonight as strong solar storm hits A strong solar storm is currently heading toward Earth, triggering a rare opportunity for skywatchers to witness the northern lights across much of the United States and parts of Europe. The storm, fueled by multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun earlier this week, has prompted a geomagnetic storm watch from the U.S.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ). Regions far south of the Arctic Circle may catch a glimpse of this natural spectacle, which is usually reserved for high-latitude areas near the magnetic poles. Scientists note that the ongoing solar cycle’s peak phase is enhancing the frequency and intensity of such events, with more possible sightings expected throughout the year.
But aside from their beauty, solar storms can have significant effects on satellite operations, communication systems, and power infrastructure. Northern Lights: How solar storms create vibrant skies The northern lights, or aurora borealis , are natural light displays that occur when charged solar particles collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere. These interactions excite atmospheric particles—mainly oxygen and nitrogen—causing them to glow in vibrant hues of green, purple, and red.
Auroras typically occur near the poles due to the Earth’s magnetic field, which funnels solar particles toward polar regions. However, when geomagnetic storms—disturbances in Earth’.
