After dazzling onlookers as far south as Florida and Austria on Tuesday night, the mesmerizing aurora borealis is poised for another impressive display across much of the Northern Hemisphere on Wednesday. Experts predict this second show could be just as spectacular as the previous one.
The reason behind this celestial fireworks? A series of powerful solar eruptions known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These CMEs hurled vast amounts of charged particles towards Earth, creating a geomagnetic storm.
“There’s a chance this event will be just as impressive as last night’s,” said Mike Bettwy, operations chief for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
Tuesday’s displays came from two separate CMEs that reached our planet. A third, and even more energetic ejection, is expected to arrive Wednesday night. These events are measured on a scale ranging from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). Tuesday’s storm reached a powerful G4 level for several hours, capable of pushing the auroral display further south than usual. Forecasters predict similar or possibly even stronger G4 to G5 levels Wednesday night.
Where Will You See the Show?
Finding clear skies will be crucial to witnessing the aurora’s ethereal beauty. Unfortunately, a thick blanket of clouds is forecast for much of the eastern and western United States on Wednesday night.
“The Northern Lights might struggle to break through,” explained David Roth, a meteorologist at NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center.
However, hope isn’t lost! Some northern states like Minnesota and Wisconsin may enjoy clearer skies. Canada, being further north, stands a better chance of witnessing the aurora’s full glory, particularly in southern Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. While cloud cover is expected there too, Space Weather Canada issued a major geomagnetic storm warning for the region.
The UK also has a chance to catch a glimpse. While clouds are likely to obscure the view for many, the Met Office Space Weather Operations Center predicts visibility as far south as England and Wales. The aurora’s best show is expected in northern Scotland, with clearer skies predicted over eastern England.
Planning Your Viewing Party
To boost your chances of seeing this celestial spectacle, consider using apps like My Aurora Forecast or AuroraReach. These handy tools track solar activity using NOAA’s Kp-index (a scale from zero to nine measuring solar terrestrial events). A higher Kp number signifies a brighter and more active aurora, potentially visible further south.
On Tuesday night, the Kp index soared above eight in many locations – exceptionally high. Remember that the best viewing time is usually between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., when darkness blankets the sky.
So, bundle up, find a spot with minimal light pollution, and gaze upwards Wednesday night. You might just be rewarded with an unforgettable dance of color across the heavens.
