Forecasters are predicting a peak in magnetic storms on the sun that could lead to another stunning display of the northern lights on Earth on Saturday and Sunday. Spectators in Fairbanks, Alaska recently captured an unforgettable display of green auroras. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting that the northern lights will be visible on Saturday night and possibly not as bright on Sunday. The best viewing areas are expected to be in nearly half of the states, particularly along the northern border and in the Midwest.
The best places to see the northern lights are in dark areas, away from light pollution. States where it is possible to see the lights include Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, as well as Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, and several others. Experts recommend viewing the auroras within an hour or two of midnight for the best chances of seeing a display.
The northern lights are caused when electrically charged particles from space enter Earth’s atmosphere and collide with molecules and gases, causing them to release energy in the form of light. The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year cycle of magnetic activity, creating more opportunities to see the northern lights. A coronal mass of plasma and magnetic field ejected from the sun is expected to reach Earth early Sunday morning, potentially leading to a beautiful display of the auroras.
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