If the skies are clear tonight, consider stepping outside to witness a potentially captivating display of the northern lights on Monday night. A powerful X 1.9 solar flare was emitted by the sun, followed by a coronal mass ejection (CME), as reported by the U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). This particular flare stood out due to its prolonged duration, lasting for several hours, which intensified its impact compared to a standard flare of similar magnitude.
CMEs are significant bursts of solar particles propelled faster than usual on the solar wind. When Earth intersects their trajectory, these particles interact with the planet’s magnetic field, leading to the creation of the stunning northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis (or aurora australis in the southern hemisphere). Fortunately, Earth found itself in the direct path of the CME, offering a promising opportunity for northern lights enthusiasts.
The SWPC has projected that the CME is expected to reach Earth by late January 19 EST to early January 20. Geomagnetic storms, disruptions to Earth’s magnetosphere, are graded on a G1 to G5 scale. The SWPC’s forecast points to a severe G4 storm, indicating a significant event. Notably, the geomagnetic storms experienced in May 2024 and October 2024, which generated remarkable light displays reaching as far as the Caribbean, were classified as G5 storms on the scale.
While the aurora borealis is commonly observed in northern regions, under specific conditions, such as Earth intercepting the swiftly moving CME particles, they can be visible farther south. An essential factor for optimal viewing is the southern dip of the auroral hole, guiding the path of CME particles. The deeper the dip southwards, the more extended the visibility towards southern regions, ideally coinciding with nighttime hours.
However, the current season may not be the most conducive for northern lights sightings due to increased cloud cover. To enhance chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon, seek out dark-sky locations free from clouds. Given the severity of the anticipated storm, direct northward facing might not be necessary, although it could aid visibility if the storm intensity remains moderate.
To track the visibility of the aurora borealis in your area, consider utilizing apps like Aurora Alerts and Aurora Forecast for real-time updates and notifications.