The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center is expecting a G1 or G2 Geomagnetic Storm for both Saturday and Sunday nights, which means Northern U.S. states –and even in cities including New York and Boston– could have the sight of a generation this weekend. Aurora Borealis will be possibly visible in states like Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. Additionally, cities like Omaha, Des Moines, Chicago, Milwaukee, South Bend, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Columbus, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo may catch a glimpse of this beautiful phenomenon, though not as clearly.
@ig_auroraborealis
According to the NOOA, Geomagnetic storms are “a major disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere that occurs when there is a very efficient exchange of energy from the solar wind into the space environment surrounding Earth. These storms result from variations in the solar wind that produces major changes in the currents, plasmas, and fields in Earth’s magnetosphere.” Luckily, even if you don’t get to see the northern lights, a couple of things are still going to be happening. The last New Moon of the year is taking place this very weekend, so it’s your last chance to take a look at the galaxy, especially because this isn’t just a New Moon, but a super moon because of its relative proximity to Earth.
That means that the absence of the Moon’s light allows stars to seem as if they’re shining brighter than usual.
@gramsofearthThis is a good weekend to also take a look at the Milky Way from pretty much anywhere in the world, as long as the sky is really dark and you let time do its job. Your eyes will need to adjust to darkness, so stay away from smartphones and quietly gaze at the stars.
Read more:
You Might See The Northern Lights This Weekend In New York And Chicago. Here’s Why
The 19 Most Staggering Photos Of Our Universe That’ll Transport You To Other Worlds
