The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are expected to appear over North Carolina on Monday night. This forecast has been highlighted by Tony Rice, a NASA ambassador and contributor at El-Balad.
Geomagnetic Storm Threat Level
According to the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, a geomagnetic storm directed toward Earth is anticipated to reach a G4 category. This status indicates a significant interaction between a coronal mass ejection and Earth’s magnetic field.
Understanding Geomagnetic Storms
- A geomagnetic storm originates from a solar flare impacting the magnetic field.
- The storm’s strength is categorized by a ‘G’ status, with higher numbers indicating stronger storms.
- A G4 storm suggests the aurora may be visible farther south than usual.
Rice notes that the presence of a distinct halo in the magnetometer image from the coronal mass ejection boosts confidence in the visibility of the aurora. Despite this, he emphasizes the uncertainty in forecasting space weather, which can be as unpredictable as weather forecasting on Earth.
Viewing the Aurora in North Carolina
While North Carolinians may have the opportunity to witness the northern lights, expectations should be moderated compared to spectacular views usually seen in Canada, Alaska, and Scandinavia. The best chances for visibility lie in clear conditions focusing on the northern horizon.
Optimal Viewing Tips
- Use Night Mode on your phone to capture photos.
- Plan to view around 11 p.m., when projections indicate peak visibility.
- Dress warmly and consider heading outside earlier to increase your chances of seeing the aurora.
If you manage to capture any impressive images of the northern lights, El-Balad encourages you to share them through their Report It section.
