Look up to the skies tonight. Stunning Aurora!
The sun, currently experiencing heightened solar activity, has unleashed a powerful burst of material directed at Earth. This event could result in spectacular auroras, commonly known as the Northern Lights, visible across parts of the United States on July 24, according to the federal government’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
The inciting event, which occurred on July 21, is intense but not unusual. Known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), it involves the sun expelling a mass of extremely hot gas, or plasma. “It’s akin to scooping up a piece of the sun and flinging it into space,” explained Mark Miesch, a scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center, in an earlier interview with Mashable. These events occur more frequently as the sun approaches the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, which is expected to culminate in July 2025.
When these solar particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field, they can trigger a phenomenon called a “geomagnetic storm” in the upper atmosphere. During such storms, numerous particles collide with atmospheric molecules, following magnetic lines to the poles where they deposit energy, creating a breathtaking display of lights. This atmospheric radiance is popularly referred to as the Northern Lights in the Northern Hemisphere.
“The aurora may become visible over some northern and upper Midwest states from New York to Idaho,” the Space Weather Prediction Center announced on July 23. “Those interested in observing the aurora should visit our webpage for updates.”
It’s important to note that these are natural and variable events, so visibility is not guaranteed. However, certain regions might indeed be treated to a stunning light show on July 24. For the latest updates, check the Space Weather Prediction Center homepage, which includes an aurora forecast.
Earlier this year, in May, multiple coronal ejections produced vibrant auroras across large parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including areas that rarely experience these atmospheric lights.
While solar storms can pose significant threats to power grids, satellites, and electrical infrastructure, these powerful events fortunately do not endanger life on Earth’s surface. Earth is protected by a strong magnetic field and atmosphere, which shield us from harmful cosmic particles.
“Without these protections, we would be in serious trouble,” noted Bennett Maruca, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Delaware who studies the sun, in an interview with Mashable.
High above our clouds and weather, the ionosphere and thermosphere (ranging from about 50 to 400 miles up) absorb charged particles and harmful radiation, such as X-rays and UV rays. Additionally, Earth’s magnetic field extends from the poles into space, capturing and deflecting much of the harmful solar energy at a safe distance.
The beauty and danger of solar activity have long fascinated scientists and skywatchers alike. The sun’s activity follows an 11-year cycle, and we are currently approaching the solar maximum, the period of greatest solar activity. This increase in activity means we can expect more CMEs and, consequently, more opportunities to witness the stunning Northern Lights.
NASA and other space agencies continuously monitor solar activity to predict these events and mitigate potential risks to our technology and infrastructure. The Space Weather Prediction Center plays a crucial role in providing timely information to the public and relevant industries to prepare for the impacts of solar storms.
For those lucky enough to witness the aurora, it is a reminder of the dynamic and powerful nature of our closest star. The Northern Lights have inspired awe and wonder throughout history, and their ethereal beauty continues to captivate people around the world.
Stay tuned for more space weather updates this year — some of which may illuminate our skies. For now, keep an eye on the Space Weather Prediction Center’s updates and prepare to look up and marvel at one of nature’s most extraordinary light shows.
