Auroras may light up the sky over the northern U.S. and Canada on Thanksgiving night, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). A solar storm, in the form of a coronal mass ejection (CME), is expected to hit Earth on Thursday or Friday, potentially causing a minor to moderate geomagnetic storm. This could result in colorful lights known as auroras being visible in states along the U.S.-Canada border, from Maine to Washington, and possibly even further south.
Geomagnetic storms can cause disturbances in Earth’s magnetic field, leading to auroras appearing at lower latitudes than usual, as well as issues with power grids, GPS, satellites, and radio communications. However, NOAA predicts that the upcoming storm will be of low to moderate intensity, requiring no specific preparations or precautions.
There is a possibility that the CME might miss Earth entirely, in which case there would be no geomagnetic storm or auroras to be seen. The best way to view the Northern Lights is to escape light pollution and look up at the sky. While auroras are visible to the naked eye, they may appear more vivid when captured with a smartphone camera. Telescope or binoculars are not necessary for viewing the auroras, but Black Friday could be a great opportunity to find deals on skywatching equipment for those interested in exploring the night sky further.
Solar activity, including auroras and CMEs, tends to peak during the sun’s 11-year activity cycle, known as solar maximum. NASA and NOAA have announced the beginning of the current cycle’s solar maximum, indicating that there will be more opportunities to witness auroras until at least 2025. So, even if the Thanksgiving auroras do not materialize, there will be plenty of chances to enjoy these natural light displays in the future.
Brandon, the space/physics editor at Live Science, often writes about space, geoscience, and the wonders of the universe. With a background in creative writing, journalism, and media arts, he brings a unique perspective to his coverage of astronomical events and discoveries. Stay tuned for more updates on auroras, solar weather, and other fascinating topics in the world of science and space exploration.