Solar Storm Brings Northern Lights to Indiana, Wisconsin, and 15 Other States
A solar storm anticipated for Thursday is set to provide residents of 17 American states with an opportunity to witness the mesmerizing phenomenon of the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis. This stunning celestial display occurs when solar wind interacts with the Earth's atmosphere.
While Illinois is not among the states included, individuals residing in parts of Indiana and Wisconsin will be able to experience this extraordinary sight.
Traditionally, the Northern Lights are most commonly observed in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. However, due to an 11-year solar cycle expected to peak in 2024, these ethereal lights have become visible in regions farther south. Three months ago, the auroras were even witnessed in Arizona, marking the third severe geomagnetic storm since the onset of the current solar cycle in 2019.
The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, has forecasted auroral activity on Thursday in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Maine, and Maryland. Additionally, Canada, including Vancouver, is also expected to experience this phenomenon.
Specifically, the light displays are expected to be visible overhead in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Helena, Montana, and low on the horizon in Salem, Oregon; Boise, Idaho; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Annapolis, Maryland; and Indianapolis, according to the institute's predictions.
For those seeking to witness the aurora, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center advises moving away from city lights for optimal viewing. The best viewing times are typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.