Northern Lights and ‘Shooting Stars’ to Illuminate 16 States on Sunday
On Sunday, November 16, a captivating celestial event awaits as the Northern Lights and shooting stars could grace the skies over 16 states. This phenomenon comes after a series of intense solar activities, including significant solar flares that have impacted space weather across North America.
Upcoming Displays of Northern Lights
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted a geomagnetic storm classified as G1 or G2. This could allow visibility of the aurora borealis as far south as parts of the continental United States. States that may have the best chance of witnessing this natural spectacle include:
- Alaska
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- Wyoming
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- New York
- Maine
Should the storm reach G2 levels, states such as Oregon, Iowa, Vermont, and New Hampshire may also experience the stunning aurora. The vibrant colors of the Northern Lights can illuminate the dark sky in shades of pink, red, and green, offering a breathtaking view to those lucky enough to be situated in the right locations.
Exciting Meteor Shower Coinciding with Auroras
In addition to the Northern Lights, the Leonid meteor shower will peak overnight, providing even more opportunities for stargazers. This meteor shower is expected to produce up to 15 visible shooting stars per hour. The best viewing conditions will be noted from late Sunday into Monday morning, November 17, and it promises to remain impressive on Monday night into Tuesday morning.
Impact of Solar Flares on Earth
Recent solar activity included a notable X4.0-class solar flare detected on November 14. This powerful burst of energy from the sun can disrupt various technologies on Earth, including radio communications and GPS systems. Such solar flares are often accompanied by coronal mass ejections that deliver charged particles to Earth, leading to stunning auroral displays days later.
Noaa scientists indicated that, if the effects of the recent solar flare align with conditions on Earth, brief enhancements may appear during early November 16, creating the potential for increased visibility of the Northern Lights.
Conclusion
As Sunday approaches, enthusiasts across 16 states eagerly await the dual spectacle of the Northern Lights and the Leonid meteor shower. This unique combination of astronomical events promises a memorable night open to spectators willing to seek out clear, dark skies.
