The Northern Lights Could Glow Over NY Tonight Thanks To A Rare Solar Storm—Here’s When To See Them

Thanks to a powerful combination of a coronal mass ejection (CME) and a coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS) hitting Earth, experts say there’s a chance to see the Northern Lights shimmering green and purple lights overhead tonight–no trip to Iceland or Norway required! The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm watch for Friday, August 8th, and a G1 (Minor) watch for Saturday, August 9th. This activity could push the auroras far enough south to be visible in parts of New York. NOAA said: > Potential exists for moderate storm levels. When will the Northern Lights be visible in NY? ----------------------------------------------- While the exact timing is unpredictable, the Northern Lights could be visible any time now through Saturday, August 9th. Though tonight, Friday, August 8th, might be the best shot. According to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center, the best times to view the Northern Lights are between 10 pm and 2 am local time. Where can I see the Northern Lights in NY? ------------------------------------------ Due to NYC’s light pollution you’ll have to find a spot as dark as possible for the potential to see the lights. Your best bet is to head to a dark park or beach for the best chance to see them. Those in darker, more rural parts of New York have a better chance of catching the spectacle. What are the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in NY? --------------------------------------------------------- The Geophysical Institute has a forecast ranking of Kp 5 on the geomagnetic index–which measures auroral activity–between 8 pm and 11 pm tonight. The geomagnetic index scale ranges from zero to nine, with nine being the most active. Kp 5 is considered “high activity.” Do I need to a telescope to see the Northern Lights in NY? ---------------------------------------------------------- One of the best things about the Northern Lights is that you don’t need any special gear to enjoy them. So long as you’ve found a dark spot with clear skies, all you need to do is look up– particularly at a north-facing vantage point that lets you see the horizon clearly. While solar storms can be unpredictable, it’s still worth stepping outside tonight and looking up at the night sky. Especially since your own eyes are all you need to take in the show! When will the Northern Lights be visible next? ---------------------------------------------- If you don’t get to see the lights tonight don’t panic–they may be be visible more often over the coming years! According to the NOAA, we’re approaching the peak of Solar Cycle 25, an 11-year period of heightened solar activity. This means more solar storms, more CMEs, and more chances for the Northern Lights to appear far from the poles. Shannon Schmoll, director of the Abrams Planetarium, told USA TODAY: > There have been an increase in aurora seen in general on Earth. The sun has been more active, resulting in more solar storms that cause solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME). How else can I see the Northern Lights? --------------------------------------- If luck isn’t on your side tonight or you can’t get outside, you can watch the magic from your couch on this Northern Lights live stream. And if you want the ultimate view, NASA astronaut Don Pettit captured stunning footage of the aurora from space. Source: https://secretnyc.co/northern-lights-visible-in-ny-tonight-rare-solar-storm/