Is PA among 15 states that could see the aurora borealis tonight? See northern lights map
The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, may be visible in as many as 15 northern states Wednesday night, June 25, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). Most of Canada will also have a chance to see the lights.
Unfortunately for Pennsylvania skywatchers, the northern lights are not expected to be visible. Neighboring New York state is the closest to Pennsylvania with a chance to see the light show.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center tracks auroras using the Kp-index, a global auroral activity. The index's 0-9 scale measures fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic field in specific geographic locations. It predicts minor to moderate geomagnetic storms on the sun's surface, which can cause a disturbance in the Earth's atmosphere.
NOAA forecasts several states in the northern United States will have the best views. If the weather is clear, many in the northern states should be able to see the sky show. Among the states, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center: Alaska, Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
Unable to view our graphics? Click here to see them.
More: Multiple states could see northern lights this week. See map.
The Kp index is expected to peak at 5 during the week, according to the NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. See NOAA's three-day forecast for the most recent timing breakdown.
We're protected from the solar winds − the streams of charged particles released by the sun's corona, or outermost atmospheric layer − by the invisible barrier created by the Earth's magnetic field. Stronger solar winds can disturb the field. Vivid auroras are produced then the charged particles from the sun interact with Earth's atmosphere and the planet's magnetic field.
The light display can be visible over Europe and the United States during large auroral events. According to the University of Alaska, during a major event in 1958, the aurora could be seen from Mexico City.
CONTRIBUTING Jim Sergent
SOURCE NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center, EarthSky.com and USA TODAY research
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aurora borealis possibly visible to 15 northern states on June 25
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