Latest news with #AlexGianninas
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Millions Issued Geomagnetic Storm Warning
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A geomagnetic storm could impact millions of people "over New York to north Iowa to Washington state," weather authorities have warned. The National Weather Service extended a G3 warning on Monday, before downgrading it to a G2 warning on Tuesday, after weather data indicated that the storm would continue. Why It Matters Any extreme weather in these areas could have a huge impact on infrastructure and the environment, and geomagnetic storms in particular have the potential to affect power distribution networks and satellite signals. What To Know On Monday, the National Weather Service issued an extension to its geomagnetic weather warning. It was originally classified with a strength of G3, the third-highest level for a storm of this kind, before being downgraded to a G2 on Tuesday morning at time of writing, indicating the storm is "moderate." The service warned advised residents to be cautious of irregular behavior from electronic devices. "Some effects are possible to power grid, satellite ops, and GPS," the warning said. "Geomagnetic activity can vary considerably during storm progression with intermittent periods of escalation or weakening as the major disturbance in the solar wind continues. Monitor the SWPC webpage for additional information and Alerts for latest levels." The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are visible over the New York Skyline on October 11, 2024 in New York City. The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are visible over the New York Skyline on October 11, 2024 in New York City. Getty Images Geomagnetic storms, which are caused by bursts of solar wind that also create aurora borealis, can cause a variety of electrical and signal issues depending on how strong they are. At G2 strength, the National Weather Service predicts that the storm may damage transformers on electrical systems, and create "low-frequency radio navigation problems." The storm will also interfere with the flight paths of satellites in orbit by increasing drag. The same solar winds that create the storm also create the northern lights, which means over a dozen states might be able to see the phenomenon with the naked eye this week. What People Are Saying The National Weather Service's most recent warning update reads: "Power grid fluctuations can occur. High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms. Satellite orientation irregularities may occur; increased drag on low Earth-orbit satellites is possible. "Aurora may be visible at high latitudes in the northern tier of the U.S., such as northern Michigan and Maine." Astronomy professor Alex Gianninas of Connecticut College told Newsweek: "We are currently in the peak of the current solar cycle, Solar Cycle 25, and so increased activity at the surface of the Sun is normal. This includes geomagnetic storms that cause the Sun to expel large quantities of charged particles. "If those are directed towards the Earth, then once they get here, the Earth's magnetic field channels them down towards both the North and South poles and when they hit the nitrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere produce the beautiful Aurora that we see." What Happens Next The abnormal weather is expected to pass by the end of the week as the solar wind dies down.
Fast Company
3 days ago
- Climate
- Fast Company
Aurora borealis forecast: Northern lights may be visible in 13 states tonight. Here's the best time to see them
If you missed the northern lights, or aurora borealis over the past weekend, you're in luck—you may have a second chance tonight, Monday, June 2, when they may be visible for a second night in a row in some U.S. states across the country. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts the next possibility of viewing is Monday night into early Tuesday, with the most intense activity across Canada and Alaska and the northern U.S. states. This aurora borealis is the result of a geomagnetic storm that occurs when a coronal mass ejection (CME), an eruption of solar material, reaches Earth and causes swaths of blue, green, and purple in the sky. This year's increased solar activity is likely the result of an 11-year sun cycle peaking through October. Where and when will the northern lights be visible tonight? While NOAA predicts Alaska is the best U.S. state to potentially view the aurora tonight, 'The other states that are best positioned are the northern Midwest states from Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan,' Alex Gianninas, an astronomy professor at Connecticut College told Newsweek.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Science
- Newsweek
Northern Lights May Be Seen Tonight From Over 13 States—How You Can Watch
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Stargazers are in for a treat as the northern lights will be visible from up to 13 states tonight, June 2. A geomagnetic storm, caused by coronal mass ejection (CME), is heading towards Earth, which can trigger the phenomenon of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. Astronomer professor Alex Gianninas of Connecticut College, explained to Newsweek: "We are currently in the peak of the current solar cycle, Solar Cycle 25, and so increased activity at the surface of the Sun is normal. This includes geomagnetic storms that cause the Sun to expel large quantities of charged particles. "If those are directed towards the Earth, then once they get here, the Earth's magnetic field channels them down towards both the North and South poles and when they hit the nitrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere produce the beautiful Aurora that we see." The northern lights—also known as the aurora borealis—form when particles from the solar wind excite atoms in the Earth's upper atmosphere, causing them to glow. Aurorae manifest as curtains of light that trace the geomagnetic field lines and can vary in color depending on the species of atom being excited. The lights can appear in a variety of colors, from green and blue to purple, pink and red, depending on the type of gas that is hit, and where in the atmosphere that gas is located, according to NASA. A map showing an Aurora viewline for the night of June 2. A map showing an Aurora viewline for the night of June 2. SWPC NOAA Which states will be able to see the northern lights tonight? According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center, the aurora will be most intense across Canada and Alaska tonight. But, as Gianninas told Newsweek: "Besides Alaska, which is going to be the best place to potentially see the aurora tonight, the other states that are best positioned are the Northern Midwest states from Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. "The northernmost parts of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine might also be able to witness the aurora." How to watch the Northern Lights in your state Aurora are not visible during daylight hours, and the best time to be observed from Earth is just after sunset or just before sunrise. It also does not need to be directly overhead, but can be viewed from as far as 621 miles away if conditions are right. Gianninas said: "Precise timing is hard to predict, but obviously it needs to be after sundown, when it's dark, as far away from bright city lights as possible, and Mother Nature also has to cooperate and it's got to be clear skies in order to see the aurora." Optimal Northern Lights Viewing Window by Region (Local Time) Sunset times on June 2 for the states with a chance of seeing the northern lights are as follows, in local time: Anchorage, Alaska: 23:22 Olympia, Washington: 21:00 Boise, Idaho: 21:20 Helena, Montana: 21:15 Pierre, South Dakota: 21:19 Bismarck, North Dakota: 21:30 Saint Paul, Minnesota: 20:53 Madison, Wisconsin: 20:30 Lansing, Michigan: 21:10 Albany, New York: 20:27 Montpelier, Vermont: 20:28 Concord, New Hampshire: 20:20 Augusta, Maine: 20:17 Image of stargazers viewing the northern lights in Edinburgh, UK, during a geomagnetic storm. Image of stargazers viewing the northern lights in Edinburgh, UK, during a geomagnetic night of June 3 also offers opportunities to see the Aurora, but it is projected to be less intense than the night before. As Gianninas told Newsweek: "With this increased activity, we have a reasonable expectation to see more auroral activity for many months to come." Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about space? Let us know via science@
Newsweek
06-05-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
How To See May's Flower Moon Next Week
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The night sky will be putting on a dazzling display next week as May's Flower Moon rises, giving spring a touch of cosmic enchantment. Here's how to catch it at its brightest. Reaching its peak at 12:57 p.m. EDT on May 12, the Flower Moon, which is the second full moon of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, will be best visible as it rises at moon-rise, during dusk. But don't worry if you can't catch it at the exact right time! It will also appear full and bright on the nights of May 11 and May 13, making for plenty of opportunity to enjoy this celestial phenomena. A stock image shows a full moon with flowers silhouette in the night. A stock image shows a full moon with flowers silhouette in the night. getty images Where to see the Flower Moon in May To fully enjoy the Flower Moon, a place with minimal light pollution offers the best visibility. Stargazers are recommended to find an elevated location, ideally an open field, or a quiet coastline with a clear view of the eastern horizon. While the naked eye works for this annual lunar event, binoculars or a small telescope can offer a better view of the satellite's craters. The exact best time to see the Flower Moon at its brightest varies depending on your location in the world. A moon-rise calculator can be helpful in identifying the best time to witness this phenomenon wherever you are. In New York, moon-rise on the 12th of May will be around 8:31 p.m. EDT. In Los Angeles, meanwhile, it will be at 8:15 p.m. PDT. May's Flower Moon will be a Micro-moon This year's Flower Moon will appear slightly smaller than usual because it's a "micro-moon"—the opposite of a "super-moon." The technical term for this is an apogee full moon, which happens when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit. This year, the Flower Moon will coincide closely with the apogee, making it about 251,828 miles away instead of 238,855 miles. Origins of the name Connecticut College astronomer professor Alex Gianninas previously told Newsweek that the Flower Moon takes its name from the obvious connection with flowers blooming at this time of year. "However, some Native American names for the full moon in May include the Egg Laying Moon and Planting Moon." The lunar event occurs each May on a different date. Last year, it was on May 23, and appeared full for around three days. A stock image shows a photographer taking pictures of the moon. A stock image shows a photographer taking pictures of the moon. getty images How to Photograph the Moon Photographing the moon can be challenging if you don't have the right equipment. Award-winning Hungarian astro-photographer Rafael Schmall previously told Newsweek that he recommends using DSLR or mirror-less cameras when capturing the moon. He added that some bridge cameras with powerful zoom lenses are also capable of shooting the rising or setting moon. A light but strong tripod is also necessary. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about the moon? Let us know via science@
Newsweek
24-04-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
What's Visible in Night Sky May 2025—Flower Moon, Meteors, Saturn Returns
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Stargazers are in for a treat as the month of May brings multiple phenomena to the sky. After April brought the Lyrids meteor shower, with between 10 and 15 meteors per hour streaking through the sky at peak time, May has much more in store. The annual May full moon brings about the peak of spring, while another, more intense meteor shower will peak on May 5. Several planets will be visible, including Mars and Saturn. Here's what will be visible in the night sky in the United States in May 2025. Pictured: Stock image of a silhouette of a person looking at up at stars and a meteor. Pictured: Stock image of a silhouette of a person looking at up at stars and a meteor. m-gucci/Getty Images The Flower Moon On May 12, the skies will be treated to the Flower Moon, also known as the Corn Planting Moon, Milk Moon, Hare's Moon and many other names. The Flower Moon is a bright full moon named for the abundance of flowers that bloom this time of year, as the northern hemisphere welcomes the peak of spring, in the lead-up to the summer solstice in June. Connecticut College astronomer professor Alex Gianninas told Newsweek: "The Flower Moon will be full on the morning of May 12 and take its name from the obvious connection with flowers blooming at this time of year. "However, some Native American names for the full moon in May include the Egg Laying Moon and Planting Moon." The Flower Moon occurs on each May full moon, and is on a different date each year: in 2024, the Flower Moon was on May 23, and appeared full for around three days. This year, it will peak on May 12, at 12.56 pm ET in the United States, or 5.56 pm in the United Kingdom, according to The Farmer's Almanac. The Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower From April 20 to May 21, the Eta Aquariid meteor shower will be close to earth, and will peak on the nights of May 4 and May 5 into the morning of May 6, Gianninas told Newsweek. The Eta Aquariids are remnants of Halley's comet, which takes 76 years to orbit the sun—it was last seen in 1986, and will not enter the inner solar system again until 2061. However, each year the earth passes through the debris tails, and at its peak, around 50 meteors per hour could be seen in the sky, some leaving streaks in the sky that can last from several seconds to several minutes after the meteor has passed by. Gianninas explained: "Meteor showers in general occur when the Earth's orbit makes it pass through debris left behind by a comet. The small bits of rock and dust burn up due to friction when they enter the Earth's atmosphere, which we see as a striking meteor or shooting star." He added: "Although [the Aquariids] are best observed from the Southern hemisphere, they can still be seen in the northern hemisphere by looking South East toward the constellation of Aquarius from about 3 am until sunrise." From the Northern Hemisphere, around 10 meteors an hour, skimming the horizon of the earth, will be best seen far away from light pollution. NASA suggests lying flat on your back, with your feet facing east, and looking up to take in as much of the sky as possible. The meteors will last all night until dawn on the morning of May 6. Read more Flower Moon Meaning As Lunar Eclipse Sets the Blood Supermoon Red Flower Moon Meaning As Lunar Eclipse Sets the Blood Supermoon Red Planets in the Sky Stargazers will be able to catch a glimpse of the planets in our solar system, starting with Mars from May 1. Over several days and nights, up to May 6, Mars will approach and pass through a star cluster known as the Beehive, and will be joined by the moon on May 3. According to Almanac, Mars will peak again at the very end of the month, and will be visible in the western sky at nightfall on May 31 in the constellation of Leo, just over the crescent moon. And that's not all, as Gianninas told Newsweek: "Jupiter and Mars will be visible almost due West after sunset but will drop below the horizon quickly, whereas Venus and Saturn will be visible in the Eastern sky just before sunrise." Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about space? Let us know via science@
