The aurora borealis is making a return and is expected to be visible throughout the weekend.

According to forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), several northern states in the U.S. are predicted to have excellent viewing spots.

On January 20, a coronal mass ejection from the sun took place, which is the phenomenon that triggers the auroras, as explained by NASA. This ejection was categorized as an M5.5 flare, indicating a medium level of solar activity, and it’s on its way to Earth. NOAA predicts a G2-class geomagnetic storm, labeled as “moderate.” Keep in mind these predictions may evolve as new data becomes available.

Top locations to view the aurora borealis?

If the weather cooperates, the northern lights will likely be visible across various northern states this weekend, including Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

On Friday evening, viewers in parts of Wyoming, northern Iowa, northern New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire can expect to see a more pronounced display. The most intense phase of the solar storm is anticipated in the early hours of Saturday. By Sunday evening through Monday, the visibility of the aurora borealis is expected to gradually diminish, according to forecasts from NOAA.

Earth’s magnetic field serves as our protective shield

The Earth’s magnetic field acts as an invisible shield that protects us from solar winds. However, when stronger solar winds occur, it can disrupt this magnetic barrier. The breathtaking auroras appear when the particle streams from the storm interact with gases in Earth’s magnetic field.

During significant auroral events, the phenomenon can be seen across the U.S. and Europe, although these events are uncommon. For instance, during a notable event in 1958, the aurora was spotted as far south as Mexico City, as reported by the University of Alaska.

What causes the aurora borealis?

Solar flares released by the sun propel plasma particles toward Earth.

When charged electrons from the sun collide with air molecules within Earth’s magnetic field, they excite atoms in those molecules. As these molecules return to their normal state, they emit light: oxygen produces green and red hues, while nitrogen gives off blue and purple shades.

If you miss the auroras this weekend, don’t fret. The solar maximum, which is the peak phase of the sun’s 11-year activity cycle, is when various solar weather events, including coronal mass ejections and geomagnetic storms, are most frequent. NASA astronomers noted that in October 2024, our sun had just entered this cycle phase, predicting heightened storm activity for several years.

SOURCE NASA, NOAA, LiveScience, CNET.com, Space.com and YSL News research