NOAA Predicts Northern Lights Visibility in U.S. Due to Strong Geomagnetic Storm
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G3, or strong, geomagnetic storm watch, predicting that the Northern Lights could be visible in parts of the northern United States. This phenomenon is expected due to the arrival of three coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun, which are massive bursts of solar material and magnetic fields. The CMEs are anticipated to reach Earth on Thursday, potentially allowing auroras to be seen as far south as Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York. The best viewing times are between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. in areas with minimal light pollution. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center has indicated that the intensity of the storm could reach G4, or severe levels, which might cause voltage problems and disrupt satellite navigation.