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Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Climate
- Boston Globe
Northern Lights continue to be visible across northern New England to start the week
Monday and Tuesday night Aurora Forecast will extend the view line into Northern New England. Boston Globe The current geomagnetic storm was designated a level 4 out of 5 categories, making it one of the strongest space storms of the year. Advertisement The large field of solar particles and magnetically charged plasma, known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), has weakened since its arrival yesterday but is still forecast to bring a 'strong' storm Monday evening. 'Although the current storm has weakened, its magnetic field has been persistent and quite slow to decrease before the CME leaves Earth behind,' said Shawn Dahl, service coordinator at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. This means a 'large disturbance in Earth's magnetic field that varies in intensity,' the center said. This level of storm typically brings the viewing line to Central and Northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. After Tuesday night, 'nothing significant after the current CME has impacted the longer range forecast just yet,' Dahl said. What are coronal mass ejections? Coronal mass ejections are immense clouds of solar material blasted into space by the sun at more than 1 million miles per hour, often following a solar flare. CMEs expand as they sweep through space, often measuring millions of miles across. Advertisement As CMEs pass Earth, they create a geomagnetic storm — when plasma particles interact with oxygen and nitrogen ions in our upper atmosphere — resulting in the shimmering ribbons of color we call the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. The collision of the charged particles and atoms in the Earth's atmosphere releases energy, creating visible light. BOSTON GLOBE The peak of Solar Cycle 25 The sun has been the most active we have seen in more than 20 years, dating back to May 2024 when a massive display of the Northern Lights could be seen as far south as Hawaii. This is because we're now experiencing what's known as solar max, the height of an 11-year solar cycle. The solar cycle is a naturally occurring phenomenon in which the sun's magnetic poles switch, causing changes in the sun's magnetic fields that create disruptions on its surface. Peak activity is expected to continue into 2026. You can see the observed and forecast solar activity in the current cycle below. The sun continues to see peak solar activity in the current cycle. NOAA The best strategy to catch the lights With mostly clear skies expected on Monday and Tuesday, there's a chance that you may catch the lights. Here are a few tips to maximize your chances of seeing the display. Make sure to get away from light pollution and look towards the north. Every smartphone has a compass app that can point you in the right direction. The best viewing window is typically during the darkest hours at night, currently from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Head to higher ground. If there is any way to get to higher elevation, your point of view becomes larger, increasing your chances. Break out the cellphone camera. The aurora is not always visible to the naked eye but your cellphone can pick up the wavelengths and capture what you can't see. 'Aim it up toward the sky and take a shot. You may be surprised when you check your phone later to find some beautiful shots,' said Brent Gordon, a scientist with the space weather center. Professional photographers also suggest enabling night mode on your cellphone so it automatically adjusts your camera settings for low-light conditions. In addition, adjust the exposure time to maximize the potential of your shot and make sure that the 'live' setting is off. Advertisement Ken Mahan can be reached at
The South African
4 days ago
- The South African
Where to see the Southern Lights in South Africa this week
South Africa isn't the first place people think of when it comes to the Southern Lights, also known as the Aurora Australis. These stunning natural light displays are more commonly associated with Antarctica, Tasmania, and the southern tips of New Zealand and Chile. But under rare and specific conditions, South Africans can catch a glimpse too – if they know where and when to look. Here's what you need to know about spotting the Southern Lights from South Africa and the best places to try your luck… Yes – but only rarely. The Southern Lights are caused by charged solar particles interacting with Earth's magnetic field. The further south you are, the better your chances. Most of South Africa sits too far north for regular sightings. However, during periods of intense solar activity, like this week, auroras can stretch farther than usual, occasionally lighting up the southern skies over South Africa. These events are rare and unpredictable, but when they happen, they make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While no place in South Africa guarantees a view, the following locations are your best bet due to their southern latitude, clear skies, and low light pollution: Why it's good: Sutherland is home to the South African Astronomical Observatory and is famous for its dark skies and dry climate. It's also one of the coldest and most remote towns in South Africa, giving you dark, crisp skies with minimal interference. Why it's good: This is the southernmost point of Africa, making it the closest you can get to Antarctica without leaving the continent. Wide horizons and ocean views also increase your chances of catching low-hanging auroras. Why it's good: Just east of Cape Agulhas, this coastal village offers unobstructed views over the southern ocean. The little town also has very little light pollution and open skies facing directly south. Why it's good: These spots south of Cape Town provide clear, south-facing ocean views and easy access from the city. Higher elevations like Cape Point can give you a wider view of the horizon, improving visibility. Why it's good: High elevation, low light pollution, and wide, open southern horizons make this your top option in the KZN province. You're also looking out over Lesotho and the southern Drakensberg range, away from major light sources. Follow solar weather reports: Use tools like NOAA's Aurora Forecast or apps like My Aurora Forecast. Use tools like NOAA's Aurora Forecast or apps like My Aurora Forecast. Find dark sky locations: Get far from city lights – this makes all the difference. Get far from city lights – this makes all the difference. Use a camera: Sometimes the aurora is too faint for the naked eye but shows up in long-exposure shots. Sometimes the aurora is too faint for the naked eye but shows up in long-exposure shots. Stay patient: You could wait hours and see nothing. Or get lucky in ten minutes. There's no guarantee. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
