Solar storms are expected to bring the possibility of northern lights to parts of the U.S. on Thanksgiving and Friday, due to a filament eruption that occurred earlier in the week. Areas in states such as Washington, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, Idaho, Wyoming, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire have a chance of seeing the colorful auroras in the sky. The intensity and duration of the auroras depend on the strength of the solar storms, which could reach G1 or G2 conditions. The NOAA is forecasting minor to moderate geomagnetic storms during this time.
Those interested in viewing the northern lights can track the activity using the NOAA’s Aurora Dashboard, which offers real-time forecasts and maps of where they will be visible. Clear conditions are best for viewing, as areas of cloudiness may limit visibility in some regions. The northern lights are the result of solar storms interacting with Earth’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere, creating radiant auroras visible at high altitudes.
While the solar storms are not expected to cause major disruptions to communications systems in the U.S., they may offer a rare opportunity for people in certain states to witness the beauty of the northern lights this holiday weekend. The sun is entering a period of increased activity, with an expected peak next July, which has led to more frequent sightings of the auroras in lower latitudes this year.
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