As the year draws to a close, stargazers across the United States are in for a treat, with a powerful geomagnetic storm expected to light up the night skies with the Aurora Borealis. This stunning natural phenomenon, also known as the Northern Lights, could be visible as far south as Illinois. Reports indicate that an enhanced solar wind is predicted to hit the Earth, triggering these breathtaking sights in regions where they are typically unseen.
The storm, which is categorized as a level 5 out of 9 on the NOAA scale, serves as a prelude to New Year’s celebrations in 2024. It comes as a result of a coronal mass ejection from the sun. The Space Weather Prediction Center reported that ideal viewing conditions could extend across several states including parts of Iowa, Indiana, and potentially even as far south as Oklahoma and Colorado.
Experts urge those interested in witnessing the aurora to find a dark location away from city lights. “The best way to see the lights is to look north, and if you can get to a location with a clear, dark sky, the odds will be in your favor,” said University of Alaska Fairbanks physicist Kelsey Johnson.
With the weather forecast indicating clear skies in many regions, local astronomy groups are planning events to mark the occasion. The heightened level of geomagnetic activity has excited both amateur skywatchers and seasoned astronomers alike, as such phenomena do not occur frequently in lower latitudes. For many, this New Year’s Eve could provide the chance to start 2024 gazing at one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles.
