If you were in at least 30 states across the US, including Illinois, on Sunday night, you might have been lucky enough to witness one of nature’s most spectacular shows – the Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis. This dancing light display is a result of a “full-halo” CME (coronal mass ejection) that occurred on Friday, expelling plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona.
What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are a natural light display that occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with particles in the Earth’s atmosphere. These particles are drawn to the Earth’s magnetic field, where they collide with gases in the atmosphere, such as oxygen and nitrogen.
The collision causes the gases to emit light, resulting in a dazzling array of colors such as green, pink, and purple, dancing across the sky. The Northern Lights are mostly visible in areas near the Earth’s magnetic poles, such as Scandinavia, Canada, and Alaska.
BREAKING 🚨: Northern Lights is visible to a large portion of the United States tonight pic.twitter.com/FJK3j6ZXkb
— Latest in space (@latestinspace) April 24, 2023
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What an amazing #NorthernLight Show in #Volo IL this evening just wow. The #Solarwind was literally flickering in the sky. No words can describe what I saw tonight just wow. pic.twitter.com/ph32bv0eJs
— Dirk Leahy (@DLeahy23) April 24, 2023
The Recent Northern Lights Display
According to the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the CME that occurred on Friday made it likely to cause “minor” to “moderate” geomagnetic storming on Sunday and Monday. As a result, the Northern Lights appeared across the United States on Sunday night, and there is a possibility of catching them on Monday night as well.
However, forecasters predict that Monday’s conditions may not be as favorable as Sunday’s, with increasing clouds expected to move in late Monday and overnight, possibly obstructing the view.
How to Catch a Glimpse of the Northern Lights
If you are keen on witnessing the Northern Lights, it’s important to plan your trip carefully. Here are some tips to help you see this natural phenomenon:
1. Find a Dark Area
To increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, it’s best to be in a dark area away from city lights. This will help reduce light pollution and make the colors more vivid.
2. Check the Weather
Check the weather forecast to ensure that the skies are clear, and there is no cloud cover. Clear skies provide a better view of the Northern Lights.
3. Choose the Right Time
The Northern Lights are visible all year round, but the best time to see them is during the winter months when the nights are longer. The ideal time to view them is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
4. Be Patient
The Northern Lights are unpredictable, and there is no guarantee that you will see them even if you follow all the tips above. However, be patient, and keep an eye on the sky.
Bonus: Photography of Northern Lights
Video Part I
Video Part II
Photography Gears:
Conclusion
The Northern Lights are a beautiful natural phenomenon that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. Although it’s difficult to predict when and where they will appear, following the tips above will increase your chances of catching a glimpse of them. Remember to stay updated with the latest forecasts and keep an eye on the weather conditions to avoid any disappointments.
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Source: NBC Chicago
