Top 5 Things You Need to Know About the Rare Solar Storm Lighting Up the Northern Lights This Week
- A powerful G4-level geomagnetic storm is hitting Earth right now, pushing the northern lights as far south as Alabama and Northern California—a rare treat for skywatchers who usually miss out.
- The best viewing windows are between 10 PM and 2 AM local time on Wednesday and Thursday, but a full moon may slightly wash out the fainter colors.
- You don't need special equipment—just find a dark spot away from city lights, look north, and use your phone's night mode to capture the vibrant greens and purples.
- This storm is fueled by a massive coronal mass ejection from the sun, which could also disrupt GPS signals, radio communications, and power grids in northern regions.
- If you miss it, don't worry: scientists predict this solar cycle will bring more chances to see northern lights in unexpected places over the next few months.