A “severe” geomagnetic storm could bring a kaleidoscopic array of colors to night skies across the US on Monday — including parts of New York and New Jersey, according to forecasters.
An expulsion of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s outermost layer, known as a coronal mass ejection, hurled toward Earth on Sunday after a massive X1.9-class solar flare — reaching our planet by Monday afternoon, according to a forecast by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
The storm conditions could make the northern lights visible from New York to Washington state, and as far south as Alabama by Monday night, forecasters said.
A “severe” geomagnetic storm could bring the northern lights to night skies across the US on Monday night. NOAA
The stunning aurora borealis will be able to be viewed just outside New York City, but is more likely to be visible farther from the city lights in upstate New York. Parts of New Jersey could also see a dazzling display.
The best time to view the light show in the US is between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., and prospective viewers should head to the darkest possible location with clear skies for the highest chances of seeing it.
The best time to view the light show in the US is between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., and prospective viewers should head to the darkest possible location with clear skies. Getty Images
The shock wave from the CME struck Earth at 2:38 p.m. and quickly reached a severe (G4) category geomagnetic storm after its impact, according to NOAA.
G4 storms are capable of disrupting power systems and satellite operations worldwide, forecasters warn.
The northern lights were visible in New York City, including parts of Queens, Mineola, and East Hampton, as recently as November, according to Pix11.