Glowing Auroras Illuminate Skies Globally: Intense Northern Lights Paint the Night Sky
Did you catch the Northerly Luminous Phenomenon lately? The new year started off with a bang, not just fireworks, but auroras lighting up skies worldwide at unprecedentedly low latitudes.
Auroras were observed as far south as Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Wales in the U.K, and France, with breathtaking displays in Alaska, Scandinavia, and New Zealand, as reported by SpaceWeather.com.
The aurora made an appearance following predictions for northern and Midwest U.S. states after a series of solar flares from the sun's surface towards the end of 2024, with the most notable being an X-class event on Dec. 29, which shot two clouds of charged particles towards Earth.
These charged particles arrived on Dec. 31, mere minutes before the new year, sparking geomagnetic storms that set off auroras throughout the night and continuing into Jan. 1 and 2.
It could be a sign of more auroral displays set to occur this coming weekend and beyond after more X-class events were detected on their way from the sun. Given that the sun is currently at its most active state – "solar maximum" – in its 11-year cycle, 2025 could witness a high number of global auroral events.
The term aurora borealis, meaning "northern sunrise," was coined by Galileo Galilei in 1616, while observing it from Italy, where it shimmered low in the sky, often mistakable for an early sunrise.
An aurora occurs when the solar wind – a constant stream of charged particles from the sun – clashes with Earth's magnetic field. During periods of heightened solar activity, like coronal mass ejections, this solar wind is augmented, creating conditions ideal for auroras.
A CME's trip to Earth takes about 2 to 3 days, but upon arrival, it can momentarily expand the auroral oval, pushing these displays beyond their usual polar limits to latitudes as low as 25 degrees.
Predicting auroras may not be an exact science, but it relies on real-time data from satellites such as NOAA's DSCOVR and ACE, which orbit Earth at a distance of approximately a million miles. These satellites measure the velocity and magnetic intensity of the solar wind, providing a valuable 15-30 minute warning about an incoming CME.
The past has shown the jaw-dropping potential of geomagnetic storms. The "Carrington Event" of 1859, named after astronomer Richard Carrington, released the biggest solar flare ever recorded – an extraordinary X45-class explosion. The ensuing geomagnetic storm triggered minor disruptions in telegraph systems, and auroras could be seen at the equator.
Sending you hopes for clear skies and wide-open curiosity.
The upcoming weekend and beyond might witness another forecast of the Northern Lights due to more X-class events from the sun. If you're in New York, you might catch a glimpse of the aurora, as they were spotted in unexpected locations last year, such as New York itself. To capture these magical moments, make sure to set up your camera for some stunning aurora photos. Keep an eye on the aurora forecast and consider subscribing to a northern lights alert service to maximize your chances. Despite the unpredictability, satellite data from NOAA's DSCOVR and ACE can provide a useful 15-30 minute warning about an incoming solar event that could lead to an aurora.
