Northern Lights Alert Across Upper USA: Tonight Could Be Your Once-in-a-Lifetime Viewing Experience
The northern half of the United States is poised for another celestial spectacle this Thursday night, October 10, 2024, as a powerful incoming solar storm is set to unleash the mesmerizing auroras, also known as the northern lights, across the night sky.
This extraordinary phenomenon is anticipated to be an unusual treat for a majority of Americans who will have a second opportunity this year to witness the dance of green and red hues in the night sky.
What’s Happening in the Sky?
This display of natural beauty is the result of a “severe” geomagnetic storm, the second of its kind to be forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) this year.
A G4 geomagnetic storm, caused by a burst of plasma clouds and charged particles from the sun, is making the northern lights visible in areas of the northern hemisphere where they usually aren’t seen. Having exploded on Tuesday, it’s set to reach Earth by mid-Thursday.
Where to View This Solar Flare Phenomenon
The northern lights, typically best seen around the poles, will be visible in larger areas due to the strength of the incoming geomagnetic storm.
For those situated in the United States, NOAA’s tracking suggests the northern lights could grace the skies as far south as Alabama to Northern California, contingent on local weather conditions and city lights.
Among the best-positioned states to view the spectacle include Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The auroras may also be highly active in parts of Nevada, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and North Carolina.
Best Times to Watch
The best viewing times for the upcoming solar storm will usually fall within an hour or two of midnight if the weather is clear.
The optimal viewing window will be Thursday night into Friday and should fully subside by Saturday. This leaves many enthusiasts in Northern USA with plenty of time to observe the auroras.
If you miss this one, get ready for an increase in auroras as electromagnetic activity ramps up with the sun approaching the peak of its 11-year cycle, expected in 2025. More sunspots mean more radiation bursts, leading to solar flares speeding toward Earth.
How to Stay Updated
Stay tuned to NOAA’s aurora dashboard for updates and to track the phenomenon. The dashboard will help skygazers monitor the situation and plan their viewing times accordingly.
Preparing for Your Aurora Watching
For the best experience, choose a location far from city lights with a clear view of the sky. Parks or areas on the town’s outskirts offer ideal conditions. Dress warmly, as nights can still be chilly in many northern states this late into fall, and bring snacks and a warm drink to enjoy your time under the stars.
And know that if you’ve got a camera, they might just be better at capturing infrared light than our natural eyes. Adjust your camera’s settings in advance for the best chance of capturing this beautiful phenomenon.
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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