The Northern Lights are making a highly anticipated return to the night skies over Canada and parts of the United States, offering one of the best viewing opportunities in weeks.
Thanks to a recent solar eruption, people across multiple U.S. states will have a chance to witness the vibrant glow of the aurora borealis.
Solar Storm Sparks Aurora Display
Over the weekend, the sun unleashed a powerful burst of charged particles in an event known as a coronal mass ejection (CME). These particles are now racing toward Earth and are expected to collide with the planet’s magnetic field between Sept. 1 and Sept. 2.
According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the impact could trigger G2 (Moderate) to G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm conditions, fueling the aurora display.
AccuWeather noted that “Active Region 4199 produced a long-duration M2.7 flare” that peaked on August 30, setting the stage for this celestial show.
Where to See the Northern Lights
The aurora could extend well beyond its typical range, with visibility expected in states including Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Nebraska, as well as Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon on the West Coast. For those farther north, skywatchers in Canada and the Upper Midwest will be especially well-positioned.
