![]() ![]() ![]() When they relax back down to lower energy states, they release their energy in the form of light. This disturbance, part of the Sun’s normal cycle, in which plasma and geomagnetic fields are. Star watchers are more likely to see the aurora if they’re at a high latitude closer to the north or south pole.Īccording to NOAA, the aurora is formed “when accelerated electrons follow the magnetic field of Earth down to the Polar Regions where they collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms and molecules in Earth’s upper atmosphere.” When this happens electrons transfer energy to the atmosphere and excite the atoms and molecules to higher energy states. Another solar storm also referred to as a geomagnetic storm is due for tonight in the high latitudes of the globe due to a hole that has opened up in the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, causing northern lights to appear above the horizon. Geographic location and geomagnetic activity can increase your chances of seeing the northern lights. Geomagnetic responses are likely to escalate to “G3” or strong conditions on August 17 due to the arrival at or near Earth of multiple coronal mass ejections that have departed the sun.Ī G3 storm has the potential to drive the aurora further away from its normal region, which may result in portions of the Aurora Borealis being seen over Pennsylvania, Iowa, and to northern Oregon. A recurrent coronal hole high-speed stream is anticipated to connect with Earth on August 17, which resulted in an elevated and disturbed solar wind field. (WHTM) – Pennsylvania residents may get a chance to see the Northern Lights this week due to a geomagnetic storm.Īccording to the Space Weather Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, geomagnetic storm watches are in full effect for August 17-19. Dont miss Keep an eye on the Aurora Forecast from Aurora Watch UK which offers notifications on increased auroral activity by free text message alerts. ![]()
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