Northern Lights Expected To Be Visible On Sunday Night In 30 States Of The Northern US

The northern US is in for a stunning treat as the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, may illuminate the night sky for millions of people. More than half the country could witness this colorful display, thanks to a recent solar flare that erupted from the sun on Friday. The NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center reported the flare was directed towards Earth, increasing the chances of the aurora borealis being visible in states in the northern US.

From Washington to Maine, and even as far south as Kansas, people can catch a glimpse of the northern lights as long as weather conditions remain favorable.

Northern Lights Expected To Be Visible On Sunday Night In 30 States Of Northern US — Claire Hardwick

“All in all, you can anticipate good conditions for auroral displays,” EarthSky assured. The Space Weather Prediction Center also alerted the public to a moderate G2 geomagnetic storm watch in effect until Sunday night, with the possibility that the storm may escalate to a strong G3 level. The center employs a five-level scale to measure the intensity of geomagnetic storms. G1 storms are considered minor, while G5s are rated as extreme. Typically, a G2 storm occurs 360 days out of every 11 years, according to the center.

In How Many States Will The Northern Lights Appear?

Weather conditions such as cloud coverage will determine the visibility of the northern lights in 30 states across the US. If the conditions are favorable, people will have the opportunity to witness the stunning display of the aurora borealis. “Aurora viewing is likely in the United States tonight as Earth is impacted by a strong solar storm.” The most favorable cloud conditions look to be over the Midwest, Plains, and parts of the Great Lakes, and less favorable conditions in the Northeast and Northwest,” the Space Watch said.

States Where It’ll Be Possible To See The Northern Lights On Sunday Night:

· Washington
· Oregon
· Idaho
· Montana
· Wyoming
· Utah
· Colorado
· North Dakota
· South Dakota
· Nebraska
· Kansas
· Minnesota
· Iowa
· Missouri
· Wisconsin
· Illinois
· Michigan
· Indiana
· Ohio
· Kentucky
· West Virginia
· Pennsylvania
· New Jersey
· New York
· Massachusetts
· Connecticut
· Rhode Island
· Vermont
· New Hampshire
· Maine

But then, there’s a chance the auroras could also be seen in Northern California and Texas. “Chances for aurora as far south as California, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Alabama, etc if the storms hold in intensity headed into this evening, otherwise, a good portion of the U.S. should still have a chance to see something,” the Space Weather Watch added.

The Actual Time The Northern Lights Will Appear?

To increase your chances of seeing the aurora borealis, officials recommend heading out to darker areas away from city lights. And according to NOAA, the best time to view the northern lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. However, as reported by USA TODAY, the possibility of seeing the northern lights in several states comes just a month after they shined in the night sky in the northern U.S., with people in several states capturing mesmerizing photos of the aurora borealis.