Geomagnetic Storm Brings Northern Lights to Majority of US States, Forecasters Predict More Activity Wednesday Night
A powerful geomagnetic storm has lit up skies across much of the United States, giving millions of people a rare opportunity to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the northern lights. The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, was visible in over a dozen states, stretching from New York to Washington state, and as far south as Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Nevada, Massachusetts, Georgia, Alabama, Montana, Alaska, Wyoming, California, Louisiana, New Mexico, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Nebraska, Iowa, Idaho, South Dakota, and others.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the geomagnetic storm was caused by fast-moving coronal mass ejections (CMEs) hurled out by the sun. The two CMEs that reached Earth packed a significant punch, causing G4 severe level conditions.
The SWPC issued a severe G4 geomagnetic storm watch for November 11 and 12, its second-highest rating on its scale. Forecasters warned that another CME was expected to arrive midday ET on Wednesday, bringing higher levels of activity.
Meteorologist Marc Chenard of the Weather Prediction Center predicted that the northern lights could return again on Wednesday night, although clouds may block views for those in parts of the west coast and north-east. As of 9am ET on Wednesday, the SWPC reported G3 conditions currently being observed, with a chance for higher levels possible throughout the day.
The SWPC's Shawn Dahl warned that forecasters do not believe the third CME has arrived yet but anticipate its arrival around midday ET. The two CMEs that already reached Earth had a magnetic strength "eight times stronger than what's normal," according to Dahl, and conditions are currently favorable for continued activity.
With more auroral activity expected on Wednesday night, sky-gazers and photographers are advised to grab their cameras and find a spot with minimal light pollution to witness this natural phenomenon.
A powerful geomagnetic storm has lit up skies across much of the United States, giving millions of people a rare opportunity to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the northern lights. The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, was visible in over a dozen states, stretching from New York to Washington state, and as far south as Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Nevada, Massachusetts, Georgia, Alabama, Montana, Alaska, Wyoming, California, Louisiana, New Mexico, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Nebraska, Iowa, Idaho, South Dakota, and others.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the geomagnetic storm was caused by fast-moving coronal mass ejections (CMEs) hurled out by the sun. The two CMEs that reached Earth packed a significant punch, causing G4 severe level conditions.
The SWPC issued a severe G4 geomagnetic storm watch for November 11 and 12, its second-highest rating on its scale. Forecasters warned that another CME was expected to arrive midday ET on Wednesday, bringing higher levels of activity.
Meteorologist Marc Chenard of the Weather Prediction Center predicted that the northern lights could return again on Wednesday night, although clouds may block views for those in parts of the west coast and north-east. As of 9am ET on Wednesday, the SWPC reported G3 conditions currently being observed, with a chance for higher levels possible throughout the day.
The SWPC's Shawn Dahl warned that forecasters do not believe the third CME has arrived yet but anticipate its arrival around midday ET. The two CMEs that already reached Earth had a magnetic strength "eight times stronger than what's normal," according to Dahl, and conditions are currently favorable for continued activity.
With more auroral activity expected on Wednesday night, sky-gazers and photographers are advised to grab their cameras and find a spot with minimal light pollution to witness this natural phenomenon.
just saw pics from texas and oklahoma of the northern lights 
its so cool how the whole us got lit up like that 
I'm literally so hyped right now!! The northern lights in the US is like a total dream come true! I've always wanted to see it and now millions of people have the chance 
The forecasters are predicting more activity on Wednesday night so I'm gonna make sure to get outside as soon as possible with my camera 
. Can't wait for some epic pics and vids to share 
i mean i know its not that rare but still its so beautiful 
the clouds were blocking my view tho 
guess ill have to try again tomorrow 
oh man, can you believe the northern lights are lit up all the way to texas?! i'm so down for some epic pics 
midday ET on wednesday better be packed with aurora activity 
. Can't wait to see the whole sky lit up like this! 
and btw, have you guys tried watching the aurora borealis on youtube before? its literally like having your own personal light show in your living room!
. And now they're saying there's another one coming on Wednesday? Without concrete evidence or sources? Come on! Can't we get some actual data before we start freaking out about the Northern Lights? 
the northern lights are definitely a sight to behold! but seriously, it's kinda crazy that they're visible in so many states 
anyway, its cool that people can witness this natural phenomenon. the science behind it is pretty wild too - coronal mass ejections from the sun causing geomagnetic storms 