Scientists Confirm Rare 'Northern Lights Tonight' Will Be Visible Across Record Southern Latitudes in Decades
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 25, 2024) — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a rare Geomagnetic Storm Watch for a G4 (Severe) level event, confirming that the stunning northern lights, or aurora borealis, will be visible across record southern latitudes tonight. When will the lights be most visible? The peak viewing window is forecast from 10:00 PM local time tonight through 2:00 AM tomorrow morning. Where will the phenomenon occur? Forecasters predict sightings as far south as the 40th parallel, encompassing regions from central Oregon through Illinois, central Indiana, and into the northeastern United States, with potential visibility extending to the 36th latitude in the East. Why is this event unprecedented? A massive coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun on July 23 is colliding with Earth’s magnetosphere at a speed of nearly 1.7 million miles per hour, creating severe disturbances that are pushing the aurora oval far beyond its typical range. Who is at risk to see the lights? Millions of skywatchers across the northern tier of the United States, including states like Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and Vermont, are advised to seek dark skies away from urban light pollution. How can the public optimize viewing? Experts recommend looking toward the northern horizon between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM, using a clear, unobstructed view. Mobile phone cameras are highly effective at capturing the phenomenon due to their low-light sensitivity, even when the display is faint to the naked eye. Key safety warnings accompany the event, as severe geomagnetic storms can disrupt power grids, satellite communications, and GPS systems. Telecommunications and electrical grid operators have been alerted for potential voltage instability.