Jamie Carter is an award-winning reporter and experienced stargazer who covers the night sky, astro-tourism, the northern lights and space exploration. He received the 2023 Popular Media Award from the American Astronomical Society's Solar Physics Division and is the author of A Stargazing Program for Beginners. Writing for Forbes.
Sciencehorizon over the waters of Lake Ellesmere on the outskirts of Christchurch on October 8, 2024. — the most powerful for two decades — the activity was photographed from as far south as Alabama in the U.S., according to
To see the aurora so far south is unusual. They're typically seen in polar regions at around latitudes of 70 degrees north and south, and only during periods of exceptional magnetic activity on the sun do displays reach as far as 40 degrees north and south.and is about to strike its “solar maximum” — the peak of the solar cycle — which occurs roughly every 11 years.
They were triggered by X-rated solar flares on Thursday, Oct. 3, that led to coronal mass ejections. Solar flares are bursts of electromagnetic radiation from the sun that travel at light speed, while CMEs are clouds of charged particles that take a couple of days to reach Earth on the solar wind. It’s the latter’s effect on Earth’s magnetic field that causes the aurora.
Typically only during periods of exceptional magnetic activity on the sun do displays reach as far as 40 degrees north and south.and is on the cusp of “solar maximum” — the peak of the solar cycle — which occurs roughly every 11 years.
Earth Space Weather Prediction Center Northern Lights Photos Northern Lights Forecast
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Philly northern lights forecast: Will you see the northern lights from here?After two massive solar flares exploded from the sun this week displays of Northern Lights are likely. Here's the aurora forecast.
Read more »
Northern Lights Possible in Northern States Tonight: How to WatchNorthern Lights to illuminate skies over many U.S. states including Alaska, Washington, Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota.
Read more »
Maps of northern lights forecast show which U.S. states could see aurora borealis this weekendThe northern lights could dazzle millions of Americans in some northern states this weekend.
Read more »
Sunspots have reached a 23-year peak, so when might Philly see the northern lights?The peak storm activity could continue into early 2025, which would give the Philly region at least a shot at seeing the aurora as the nights lengthen.
Read more »
Seattle weather: Dry weather, chance to see northern lights MondayDrier and sunnier weather is forecast for Sunday afternoon in Seattle. Mostly clear skies are predicted overnight: this will enhance the viewing of the aurora borealis!
Read more »
With Northern Lights possibly visible in Chicago area, here's when you should lookThe rare chance comes thanks to a G3 geomagnetic storm watch, caused by a series of coronal mass ejections from the sun earlier this week.
Read more »