Thanksgiving Sky Show? Faint Auroras Possible Across Northern US

This Thanksgiving, skywatchers in the northern United States might be treated to a celestial spectacle: faint auroras, The Associated Press reports.

While not guaranteed, the possibility exists thanks to ongoing solar storms, according to NOAA meteorologist Mike Bettwy.

Bettwy stated that pale auroras could be visible across many northern states on Thursday and Friday, but their appearance depends on the intensity of the solar storms. The best viewing opportunities are likely in Washington, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. Northern portions of Idaho, Wyoming, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire may also see some auroral activity.

Space weather experts suggest that the optimal viewing window might be from 10 p.m. EST Thursday to 1 a.m. EST Friday. However, pinpointing the exact time is challenging, and updated forecasts will be available closer to the event on the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center website or through aurora forecasting apps.

For those hoping to witness the display, clear skies and dark locations away from city lights are essential. Even smartphone cameras may capture faint auroral glows invisible to the naked eye.

The increased likelihood of auroras is due to the sun currently being at the peak of its 11-year cycle, making solar flares and auroral displays more frequent. Earlier this week, a surge of high-energy plasma from the sun was directed towards Earth. This active period is expected to continue for at least another year, though the precise peak of solar activity won’t be known for several months after it occurs, according to NASA and NOAA.

While this week’s solar storm is not expected to cause significant disruptions to communications, it’s a reminder of the sun’s powerful influence on Earth. Previous solar storms, including a rare severe geomagnetic storm in May (the strongest in over two decades) and a powerful storm last month that produced auroras in unexpected locations such as Germany, the UK, New England, and New York City, highlight the unpredictable nature of space weather.