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Thursday’s solar storm forecast is predicted to provide skywatchers in 17 US states a probability to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, a colourful display of the sky that happens when the solar wind hits the atmosphere.
The Northern Lights, also referred to as the Northern Lights, are most frequently seen in Alaska, Canada and Scandinavia, but the solar cycle’s 11-year cycle, which is predicted to peak in 2024, makes these lights visible further up in the sky. south.
Three months ago, light shows were seen in Arizona, marks the third major geomagnetic storm since the current solar cycle began in 2019.
The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks forecast aurora activity Thursday in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Latest York, Latest Hampshire, Vermont, Indiana, Maine and Maryland.
Aurora activity was also forecast for Canada, including Vancouver.
Light shows are expected to be seen overhead in Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Helena, Montana, and low over the horizon in Salem, Oregon. Boise, Idaho; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Annapolis, Maryland; and Indianapolis, in accordance with the institute.
The Space Weather Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said people wanting to experience the Northern Lights should get away from city lights, with the best viewing times being between 10pm and 2am local time.
Aurorae occur when the magnetic solar wind strikes the Earth’s magnetic field and causes atoms in the upper atmosphere to glow.
The lights appear suddenly and their intensity varies.
The geomagnetic index referred to as Kp ranks auroral activity on a scale of zero to nine, with zero being not very energetic and nine being shiny and energetic.
The Geophysical Institute forecasts Kp 6 for Thursday’s storm.