Last night, people in northern states across America and Northern Europe were treated to a spectacular display of pink and green lights in the sky. This stunning phenomenon was caused by a geomagnetic storm that allowed the Aurora Borealis to be visible from the West and East Coasts. Due to popular demand, there is a possibility that the northern lights will make another appearance on Friday, October 11.
For those who may not be familiar, a geomagnetic storm is a disturbance in Earth’s magnetosphere that occurs when energy from the solar wind interacts with our planet’s environment. These storms can lead to fluctuations in currents, plasmas, and fields in Earth’s magnetosphere, sometimes causing disruptions to electrical power networks and resulting in power outages.
On Thursday, October 10, the northern lights were visible across most of Northern America, with states like Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin offering the best views. Even people in New York City, New Jersey, Chicago, and Northern California were able to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing lights.
If you missed the show last night, you may have another chance to see the northern lights on Friday. The NOAA has indicated that visibility of the aurora borealis is possible once again. To catch this breathtaking display, it is recommended to head outside between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. However, some residents in New York City and New Jersey were able to witness the lights as early as 8 p.m. on Thursday.
Typically, the aurora borealis is visible further up north between sunset and sunrise. The last time residents in the northern states witnessed this phenomenon was back in May 2024 during a different geomagnetic storm. So, if you’re lucky, you may get to witness the magical dance of the northern lights once again tonight. Be sure to keep your eyes on the sky and enjoy the show!
