Latest news with #Auroraborealis
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Dazzling northern lights display captured on video: Watch enchanting time-lapse footage
People across many states witnessed one of the most breathtaking natural wonders during the northern lights' latest return. Time-lapse footage shared online captured the stunning phenomenon on June 1 across the United States from Dufur, Oregon, to San Antonio. "A magnificent display of the aurora from last night!" a vacationer in Victor, Idaho, shared on X. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that 20 states were expected to witness the vibrant lights. The northern lights could be visible on the nights of Monday, June 2, and Tuesday, June 3, though the likelihood of seeing them in the mainland United States will be lower. See map: Northern lights might be visible in several states tonight Aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, are colorful ribbons of light that weave across Earth's northern or southern polar regions, according to NASA. Geomagnetic storms are caused by solar activity like solar flares or coronal mass ejections. The solar wind moves energetic charged particles from these events away from the sun to produce the northern lights. Northern lights can be safely viewed without a telescope or microscope. The visibility of the aurora depends on multiple factors, including location, weather, time of night, and the level of geomagnetic activity present. Contributing: Julia Gomez, Doyle Rice, and Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dazzling northern lights display captured on video: Watch the footage
USA Today
19 hours ago
- Science
- USA Today
Dazzling northern lights display captured on video: Watch enchanting time-lapse footage
Hear this story People across many states witnessed one of the most breathtaking natural wonders during the northern lights' latest return. Time-lapse footage shared online captured the stunning phenomenon on June 1 across the United States from Dufur, Oregon, to San Antonio. "A magnificent display of the aurora from last night!" a vacationer in Victor, Idaho, shared on X. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that 20 states were expected to witness the vibrant lights. The northern lights could be visible on the nights of Monday, June 2, and Tuesday, June 3, though the likelihood of seeing them in the mainland United States will be lower. See map: Northern lights might be visible in several states tonight What are the northern lights? Aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, are colorful ribbons of light that weave across Earth's northern or southern polar regions, according to NASA. Geomagnetic storms are caused by solar activity like solar flares or coronal mass ejections. The solar wind moves energetic charged particles from these events away from the sun to produce the northern lights. Can you see northern lights with the naked eye? Northern lights can be safely viewed without a telescope or microscope. The visibility of the aurora depends on multiple factors, including location, weather, time of night, and the level of geomagnetic activity present. Contributing: Julia Gomez, Doyle Rice, and Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Issued for June, May Threaten Infrastructure
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 severe geomagnetic storm watch issued by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is in effect for June 2, with the agency warning that the powerful solar event could disrupt critical infrastructure. Shawn Dahl, a space weather forecaster at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), told Newsweek in an email Saturday: "We are already taking measures to notify FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency] for their awareness only at this time" so the agency can make "preparation[s] to deal with and manage geomagnetic induced currents that will likely develop in high voltage transmission lines," potentiallyimpacting the nation's power grid. Newsweek has reached out to FEMA's press team for comment via email on Saturday. Why It Matters Geomagnetic storms are classified by the NOAA on a scale of G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme), with G5 being the most powerful and least common. The fluctuations in our planet's magnetic field during a geomagnetic storm create electric fields on the Earth's surface. When these electric fields interact with conductive materials like rock, soil or water, they induce electrical currents in the ground. These currents, coupled with the electric fields in the ground, can lead to geomagnetically induced currents (GICs), which can travel through power grid systems. These GICs overload transformers and other electrical components, leading to potential damage or large-scale power outages. Aurora borealis, or northern lights, shine in the sky on August 12, 2024, in Mohe, China. Aurora borealis, or northern lights, shine in the sky on August 12, 2024, in Mohe, China. VCG/VCG via AP What To Know On Saturday, NOAA issued a geomagnetic storm watch with a strong (G3) alert for June 1, a severe (G4) alert for June 2 and a moderate (G2) alert for June 4. The warning comes after "a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun" on May 30. It is expected to arrive at Earth on Sunday, June 1. CME is an "eruption of solar material and magnetic fields," according to NOAA. The warning levels are "our best guesses" at the moment, Dahl told Newsweek, adding that "essentially we have to wait until the CME arrives 1 million miles from Earth at the DSCOVR/ACE spacecraft solar wind observatories to know exactly what the CME structure and magnetic strength and orientation actually are." CME arrival at Earth is anticipated and a G4 Watch is now in effect for 2 Jun. CME arrival later on 1 Jun could lead to G3, with G4 potential increased on 2 Jun, and as CME passage weakens, G1-G2 still possible on 3 Jun. Full story at — NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) May 31, 2025 He added that if the magnetic field of the CME is "strong and oriented orientated opposite Earth, we are quite confident in G3-G4 levels being reached," whereas if it is not than the severity becomes less likely. The effects of a geomagnetic storm can be significant, with NOAA's watch stating, "detrimental impacts to some of our critical infrastructure technologies are possible, but mitigation is possible." The infrastructure can be impacted by overload transformers, potentially causing temporary blackouts of the power grid, or interfering with satellites communications and GPS disruptions, among others. In 1989, a powerful CME caused a geomagnetic storm that knocked out the Hydro-Québec power grid in Canada, leaving millions of people without electricity for hours. What People Are Saying Matthew Cappucci, an atmospheric scientist wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday: "A rare 'G4' geomagnetic watch has been hoisted by the Space Weather Prediction Center in Boulder, Colorado – indicating they are unusually confident in direct Earth impacts." My Radar Weather posted on X Saturday: "This is a BIG deal! A 'severe' geomagnetic storm is coming – and LOTS of Americans might get to see the aurora borealis!" Dr. Tamitha Skov, a space weather physicist, wrote on X Saturday: "Our Sun finally aims straight for Earth! NASA model predictions show a very fast #solarstorm travelling near 1000 km/s that could hit Earth by midday June 1. A slower storm ahead might cause a slight traffic delay, but G4-levels by June 2 are possible. This means #aurora may be visible deep into mid-latitudes. Considering we expect big flares to continue on Earth's dayside over the next few days, this means both the dayside and nightside radio bands will remain noisy, with periodic disruptions." What Happens Next? Geomagnetic storms can make aurora borealis, or the northern lights, more visible by disrupting the Earth's magnetic fields. NOAA says the aurora may be visible for the northern half of the country, as well as other sites. The SWPC will continue updating information about the solar event throughout the day and leading up to its expected impact.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Aurora Alert: Which US states could see the Northern Lights tonight?
The stunning light show has hit the town once again! Skygazers in America better brace themselves for yet another Aurora Edit, that too – in the middle of the week. What's happening? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has indicated that the northern lights, or aurora borealis, may be observable across several northern US states this week due to ongoing geomagnetic activity. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now For Wednesday night, NOAA has predicted a Kp index of four, which is a level that provides opportunities for viewing the lights in certain regions, particularly those with dark and clear skies. What is the Aurora Borealis? Aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is a natural light display in the sky, primarily seen in high-latitude regions. It occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth's atmosphere, producing vibrant colors like green, red, and purple. The aurora borealis is caused by charged particles, mainly electrons and protons, from the sun's solar wind colliding with Earth's magnetosphere. These particles are then guided towards the poles by Earth's magnetic field. The colors observed in the aurora are determined by the specific atmospheric gases and the energy of the colliding particles. Green light is often associated with oxygen, while red light is also produced by oxygen, and blue and purple light can be seen with hydrogen and helium. Although the aurora borealis is most frequently observed in regions around the Arctic Circle, including countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska, this time several US states are set to witness the magic as well. Which US states can watch the Northern Lights? This forecast follows a period of heightened activity on Tuesday night, when the Kp index reached five, allowing visibility of the aurora in parts of Wyoming, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York, as reported by Forbes. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now For those seeking the best viewing opportunities in the United States on Wednesday, Alaska and northern Canada remain the top locations. Within the US, states such as northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, northern Minnesota, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula offer the highest chances. There is also a slight possibility of visibility in areas of South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Maine. When can you see the Northern Lights? The optimal time for observation is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. NOAA recommends selecting a high, north-facing location away from city lights for the best experience. For those wishing to take photographs, enabling night mode and disabling the flash on mobile devices is suggested. Additionally, NOAA has alerted that minor to moderate radio blackouts may occur through Friday, although major disruptions are not anticipated. Officials seek quick Yellowstone flooding repairs
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Video of Aurora Borealis Over America Shocks NASA Astronaut
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. New video footage from space showing Aurora Borealis over northern United States and Canada has been revealed by an astronaut, who "wasn't expecting" to capture it. U.S. astronaut Nichole Ayers, on the on the International Space Station as part of the SpaceX Crew 10 mission, said she had been trying to capture massive storms over North and South America, and unintentionally captured the Northern Lights Sharing the footage to social media, she called it "a nice surprise." What To Know Aurora borealis is visible from space at certain times, one of which was captured on camera by Ayers as she surveyed the Earth's atmosphere. In her video, filmed on on of the ISS's cameras, a green-purple aurora can be seen above the northern U.S. and Canada. "The Aurora showed up this last weekend when I wasn't expecting it!" Ayers wrote on X. "I was trying to capture the massive storms that went through both North and South America and got a nice surprise. The Aurora appeared right at sunset over the Northern US and Canada. The Aurora showed up this last weekend when I wasn't expecting it! I was trying to capture the massive storms that went through both North and South America and got a nice surprise. The Aurora appeared right at sunset over the Northern US and Canada. I'm also fascinated by just... — Nichole "Vapor" Ayers (@Astro_Ayers) May 23, 2025 Crew-10 mission astronauts NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers (C) waves to family members alongside NASA mission commander Anne McClain (R) and JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi (L) before heading to the launch pad at the Kennedy Space... Crew-10 mission astronauts NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers (C) waves to family members alongside NASA mission commander Anne McClain (R) and JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi (L) before heading to the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 14, 2025. (Photo by Gregg Newton / AFP) (Photo by GREGG NEWTON/AFP via Getty Images) More Gregg Newton/AFP via Getty Images "I'm also fascinated by just how many satellites are orbiting the Earth at any given moment. There's so much to share with you all!" Ayers travelled to the ISS aboard a SpaceX flight in March 2025, as part of the stations' 72 and 73rd expeditions. She is scheduled to return in July this year, after spending six months aboard the ISS. Ayers is a pilot, and previously flew F-22s in the U.S. Air Force before swapping out jets for rockets, after being selected for NASA Astronaut Group 23 in 2021. Her current mission was her first time piloting a NASA flight. The northern lights over Vancouver Island and western Canada, January 2012. The northern lights over Vancouver Island and western Canada, January 2012. Getty Images What Are Northern Lights? Aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, are created when the sun releases solar wind into space. When the winds reach Earth, they collide with the atmosphere. As the solar particles descend into the upper atmosphere, they mix with oxygen and nitrogen molecules in our air. These collisions emit the light that is visible during the northern lights. Oxygen typically produces green and red hues, while nitrogen yields purples and blues. What People Are Saying Ayers said in another social media post: "We see beauty, while scientists see data. As I continue taking pictures of our beautiful Earth, I'm constantly thinking about how these pictures could help researchers and scientists get the information they need. "This weekend, I was taking pictures of city lights over Italy, and we went right over Mt. Etna. I knew immediately where we were because of the void of lights where the volcano sits. It's an active volcano that is currently erupting." What Happens Next Ayers is set to travel back to Earth in July.
