Northern Lights Expected to Shine Over Much of the United States This Thursday

A powerful geomagnetic storm is set to roll across North America on Thursday, pushing the ethereal aurora borealis far enough south that residents from the Midwest to the East Coast may catch a glimpse of the shimmering display. The disturbance, driven by a fast‑moving solar wind stream that left the Sun earlier this week, is forecast to peak between 22:00 UTC and 02:00 UTC (late evening to early morning local time), with the strongest activity concentrated over the central United States.What’s happening in space? When bursts of charged particles from the Sun slam into Earth’s magnetosphere, they set off a chain reaction that energises the planet’s magnetic field lines. As these energized particles spiral toward the polar regions, they collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the upper atmosphere, causing them to emit light in vivid greens, reds, and purples – the aurora. This Thursday’s storm is classified as a G4 “severe” event on the NOAA Space Weather Scale, meaning the auroral oval is expected to expand well beyond its usual high‑latitude confines.Where and when to look According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the aurora’s southern edge could dip to roughly 45° N latitude. That puts cities such as Minneapolis, Madison, Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and even parts of New York State within range. The best viewing windows are likely to be:- Late evening (10 p.m. – midnight local time): The sky will be darkest, and the auroral oval is expected to be at its most intense. - Pre‑dawn hours (4 a.m. – 6 a.m.): After the initial surge, a secondary wave of geomagnetic activity may brighten the lights again.Observers in the far‑south, including those in the Carolinas, Tennessee, and the Ohio Valley, may still see a faint, diffuse glow on the horizon if skies are clear and light pollution is minimal.Tips for a successful aurora hunt1. Find dark skies – Head to a location away from city lights, such as a rural field, a state park, or a lakeside shoreline. 2. Check the weather – Cloud cover can completely obscure the display. Consult local forecasts and aim for clear, dry nights. 3. Give your eyes time to adjust – It can take up to 30 minutes for night vision to reach its peak. Avoid looking at bright screens or using flashlights unless they have a red filter. 4. Use a camera – A DSLR or mirrorless camera set to a high ISO (800‑3200), a wide‑angle lens, and exposures of 10‑20 seconds can capture the motion of the lights. A sturdy tripod is essential. 5. Stay informed – Real‑time aurora alerts are available through apps like “My Aurora Forecast” and the NOAA SWPC website, which will send push notifications if activity spikes.Potential side effects While the visual spectacle will be the main attraction, a G4 storm can also induce minor disruptions to high‑frequency radio communications, GPS accuracy, and power‑grid operations in the most affected regions. Authorities have issued a standard advisory, but no major outages are expected.Scientific significance Auroral events of this magnitude provide a valuable natural laboratory for space‑weather researchers. By monitoring the storm’s progression across different latitudes, scientists can refine models that predict how solar eruptions influence Earth’s magnetic environment—a crucial step toward safeguarding satellites, aviation routes, and critical infrastructure.If you’re lucky enough to witness the dancing curtains of light this Thursday, you’ll be part of a rare, shared experience that most of the country only sees once every few years. Keep an eye on the sky, bundle up, and enjoy one of nature’s most spectacular light shows.